rundangerously: running

Showing posts with label running. Show all posts

Saturday, May 23, 2020

A Rainy Morning at ... the Track :O

I didn't plan on doing laps at the track this morning. I had planned on doing a 10+ miler up and back to White Plains. Instead, as I ran up the post road it was the lousy weather (drizzle + fog) that made me think the track was a better (and much shorter) destination!

So my long run wait until tomorrow. Despite the unexpected visit, I had planned to go to the track this week. I wanted to do a mile on the track as a warm-up to the actual mile for the NYRR Virtual Global Running Day Mile - that begins on May 28 and runs until the official Global Running Day (6/3). The laps weren't speed work by any definition.

I was pleasantly surprised to run two sub-8:20 miles (through rain covered glasses)! Those were the first sub-9 minute miles that I've run in quite a while (probably late last Fall/early Winter). The track conditions weren't great - slippery, actually. But it felt great to run fast enough to feel the oxygen debt building up - haha :D

Next time I will actually toss in a few intervals during the 8 laps!

Saturday, May 16, 2020

NYRR Virtual Brooklyn Half :D

Wow, it wasn't easy - but I ran the 13.1+ miles for my virtual Brooklyn Half Marathon this morning :D

It was the longest distance I've run in long time (going back to last Fall?). I did a 10 miler two weekends ago, but it wasn't the distance that threw me off. My route planning was something of a fail because it had been planned as straight out and back course - 6.5 miles up to White Plains and back. Instead, my return route was a mile shorter (brain freeze) and got back here with just 11+ miles. That was a big oops moment and it resulted in something of a hodgepodge for the last 2 miles. Still - mighty happy to get it done!

In an interesting (for me) observation, my 10:11 pace - it was sub-10 for most of the run - was a solid minute faster than my pace (11+) for the virtual NYC Half 5k I ran two months ago! Granted, that one was an easy jog around the neighborhood. But the base re-building program is paying off :D

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Albany Virtual Law Day 5k

It's been a long time since I ran the Fred Weisburg Law Day 5k in Darien. So long, in fact, that I don't believe the race is still run! Be that as it may, since no races are actually being run because of Covid-19, what better way to participate in a different law day race than virtually?

This event wasn't done via Strava. Instead it was on the honor system. Runners could email in their results to be included in a finishers list. I can't say that I "raced" 5k - or the "fastest" 5k portion of the 4.1 miles I ran. But I did the entire run in under 40 minutes so I guess the 5k clocked in with a sub-10 minute pace :D

Anyway - it was a great excuse to get outside and run!

Monday, April 27, 2020

Back to the Northern Leg of the Bronx River Greenway

It's hard to believe this sunny and WARM run was just two days ago! I finally made it back to the northern leg of the Bronx River Greenway on Saturday morning. It's been a few months since I've run there; instead putting in the miles on the southern portion of the Greenway. The start of this leg is at the Hartsdale Train Station - there is a gap between the two sections from the Scarsdale to Hartsdale stations.

Since then it's been rainy (Sunday) and cold (in the 30's again this morning)! Hard to believe it's Spring - and it's not expected back into the 50's until at least tomorrow!

Monday, April 20, 2020

Two Very Different Weekend Runs

The first run, on Saturday, took me by one of my favorite spots - Duck Pond. The weather was raw, gray - and the wind chill brought the low 40's temperature down into the low 30's. As an added incentive, got to wear my running tights one more time this month. The high point of this run was catching random bits of one of my favorite smells - wood burning fireplaces :D

The second run, yesterday, again took me by Duck Pond. This time the weather was easily 20 degrees warmer (and the sun had fought its way out). Gone were the tights and hat, replaced by shorts and a cap. Gone too was the jacket, replaced by a vest. No wood burning fireplaces this time, but some hardly souls must have had enough cabin fever to fire up the charcoal barbeques on their decks - the random aroma in my neighborhood :D

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Last Run of Winter Break

Fitting to take this selfie in front of a frozen pond that is starting to thaw. Spring semester kicks off this week - my first classes are on Tuesday morning.

Today was an easy 4+miles. It was in the low 40's, so seeing that the pond was still frozen solid, albeit thawing, was definitely a surprise since it was more humid than cold outside.

Almost a cliché to say the break was too short - and having the Flu knock out almost a full week of it made it seem even shorter! But given the relatively few really cold days we've had, its been pretty decent weather - and, fingers crossed, maybe we'll get an early spring :D

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Running Home - from work?!

This afternoon took an unexpected turn, to put in mildly! That's me, barely smiling, on the Bronx River Greenway, just at the Harney Road exit. How I got there was via an easy (10-11 pace) run from Crestwood Station. I've run this stretch 100's of times - but not in non-running clothes (e.g. those that I go to work in)!

But, when the Metro North Harlem line is shut down thanks to a fallen utility pole - it seemed like the thing to do. In fact, the train was half-way to the Scarsdale station when it stopped, went into reverse and returned to Crestwood. The only announcement was that there was a blockage on the tracks and no estimated time of departure. A little while later, more dire announcement - it was a fallen utility pole and they were waiting for Con Ed to arrive and turn off the power before any removal efforts could get underway....

That was my cue to get going - and thankfully I had my sneakers on :D

For someone who should temporarily rename this "writedangerously" given the long stretch of weekends at the office - the 2 mile run was actually a lot of fun.

Monday, December 31, 2018

2018 Running Year in Review!

It's hard to believe that 2018 is ending in a few hours. As fast as it's flown by, it's been one for my record books. In terms of miles, I logged just under 2,800 running/racing miles (2,794.7) for the year - with at least 200 miles per month! I haven't logged that volume of miles in over a decade. In fact, have to look back to 2009/10 for the last time I ran 2,500+ miles in back to back years. Over the last few years it's been a struggle to reach just 2000 miles for the year.

Even more surprising, I ran every single day of the year. That I did not intend to accomplish - but more than pleased that I kept at it - and the streak, if you will. It's actually a couple of days more than 365 straight since I can add in the last few days of 2017. Not sure if this streak will continue into 2019. It was more of a curiosity (to see if I could stick with it) than a true obsession.

In terms of data, the first six months of the year were by far the most productive. As is my custom, the second half of the year is always the more challenging (primarily because of the tougher Fall semester teaching schedules). I ran 1,500+ miles (1,507.1) through the first six months - followed by just under 1,300 miles (1,287.6) for the second half. My highest mileage month (March) was a sliver over 300 miles (300.2.) and my lowest (November), I barely eked out 200 miles (201.2).

As for high and low racing points during the year - they were separated by just one week in July! The low point was my 4th DNF at the Vermont 100 (which now gives me a negative 3-4 finish/DNF ratio). After the NYRR Team Championships in Central Park the following weekend, I somehow notched a 15+ minute PR at the Escarpment Trail Run. It was all the more surprising (shocking, actually) since I had run that earlier PR way back in 2006 (as a 44 year old).

In terms of numbers, I ran 34 races + that one DNF. Seven of those were marathons (3) and ultras (4). I also ran a couple of 30k's and half marathons. The longest distance of the year was the Greater NY 100K back in June. The shortest was a trio of mile races over the summer (one cross county, one beer mile, and one road mile). In addition to the beer mile, the other "odd" race (event) of the year worth noting was the Underwear Run in Central Park (just under 2 miles).

Well, that's the 2018 story in a nutshell. Goals for 2019 - finish NYCM #17, Escarpment Trail Run #9, and my 4th Vermont 100 Miler. Not to mention, most importantly, stay healthy and keep on running :D

Happy New Year to everyone!

Monday, September 3, 2018

2000 miles and counting :D

This morning I crossed 2,000 miles (2002.6 to be precise) for 2018! I have no plans to relive my glory years (ha) - but it's easily been a decade since I've logged this many miles at this point (8 months) in a given year. At this rate, I could finish 2018 with 2,800 miles - again, something I haven't done in a decade.

On Friday, I was 40 miles shy of 2,000 miles. I thought that 40 miles over the Labor Day weekend was a decent enough goal - hand in hand with binge watching the just released "Jack Ryan" on Amazon Prime ;D

Mission accomplished on both fronts (it took until Sunday morning to watch all 8 episodes of Jack Ryan). I ran 17 miles Saturday morning, 13.1 miles Sunday morning, and capped off the trifecta with 12 miles this morning - for a total of 42.1 miles this holiday weekend.

I took this selfie at the south end of Crestwood Lake, along the Bronx River Greenway - about mile 7 of my run this morning.

No race run this weekend - but the Fifth Avenue Mile is on deck for next Sunday!

Saturday, June 30, 2018

Recapping the First Six Months of 2018

Just a quick recap of my running for the first six months of the year. I've managed to rack up more than 1,500 training/racing miles so far this year (1,507.1 to be precise). To put that in perspective, it's been more than a decade since I've run that much in the first half of a given year! In another decades long first, I've managed to run more than 200 miles a month for the first six months (averaging 250 miles per month) - with a one month high of 300 miles in March. Again, I haven't run a 300 mile month in maybe a decade?

As for races, I ran a total of 16 so far, ranging from 1 Mile up to 100K (last weekend, actually). That total included one marathon, three 50K's and one 100K (it also included a 3 Hour Run, for a total of 23.6 miles). The remainder, half marathon and shorter, included trails and one relay. In a twist, only one of the 16 races was a NYRR event (the Italy Run). Normally, at this point of the year I'd have run close to half a dozen NYRR races (going for my 9+1 goal).

Not sure what the second half of the year has in store for me, but doubt I will keep up a 200+ mile per month pace! That would give me a 3,000 mile year - again, something I haven't racked up in more than a decade! But I will try to get in another hundred miler (next month in Vermont). And definitely get in NYC Marathon #16 in November :D

Stay tuned!

Here is the monthly mileage recap:

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

2018 Global Running Day!

Happy Global Running Day!

This one requires no explanation - just get out and run! Doesn't matter where (but preferable not on a treadmill - ha). Roads or Trails, just get out there and put in a few miles today :D

Thursday, December 31, 2015

2015 Running Year in Review

My 10.5 mile run this morning brought the 2015 running year to a close. My total mileage for the year was 1867.2 - well below the 2100+ miles of the prior two years, 2014 and 2013. A decent chunk of that shortfall is attributable to the eye surgery this summer - I literally didn't run a step for 3+ weeks. A more general reason, however, is the lower monthly mileage as the year went on. The year kicked off with 220 miles in January, but that was the only 200 mile month of the year. For the rest of the year my monthly mileage mostly bounced between 150 and 175 miles (a couple over and a couple under that range).

As for races, I ran 31 this year - 4 fewer than 2014's 35 races (which was then the fewest races I've run in more than a decade). The longest distances were the 31 miles at the B.U.S. Trail Mix-up in September and the NYC Marathon in November (1 ultra and 1 marathon). I also ran 20 miles at the B.U.S. 3 Hour Run back in January (an event notable for it's sub-zero wind chills!). Just below 20 miles are a pair a 30ks (1 road, 1 trail).

The Escarpment Trail Run was the highlight of the running year. It was Escarpment #6 for me - and, once it was in the books, I earned my 100 mile shirt! But the most interesting thing about that race was whether I'd even run it! The 30k was less than a week after my doctor cleared me to get back to running following the surgery on the second eye! Just getting to the start was an accomplishment.

Other race highlights - I ran my 13th NYC Marathon and my 6th NYC Half Marathon this year. The NYC Marathon is my favorite race - and my goal is to keep running it every year (for the foreseeable future). I like the NYC Half too, but it's not something I'll run every year (and I haven't signed up for the 2016 edition).

To wrap up, even with the lower mileage - it was a good year! In fact, any run (or race) is good in my book :D

Happy New Year everyone! I hope your running years have been just as happy and productive... and that your 2016 running years are even better!

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

2014 running year in review

i closed out 2014 with an easy 4.5 mile run which my annual mile to just over 2,100 (2,100.21 to be precise). that was exactly 68 few miles than my 2013 total of 2,168.2 miles! the shortfall can be attributed to the 2 weeks in september that is didn't run - recovering from the scalding my hand took in the kitchen (no fun walking around or running with a bandaged hand). both totals were well off my goal of 2,400 miles for the year (200 per month average).

i can close the first half of the year - with may the only month i didn't run at least 200 miles. in fact, april capped off a 12 month run of 200+ mileage months! as such it was a reverse of 2013 were i started slow but ended with a long string of 200+ mile months. 2014 saw a second half that didn't include any 200 mile months! july, with 184 miles, had the highest total miles. with august and sepetember my lowest points, at 136.3 and 127 miles respectively.

during the final 6 months i average 150 miles a month, and brought down the monthly average to 175 miles for the year as a whole. while i'm not happy at missing my goal for the second year in a row, i'm still pleased to have gotten in all the miles - and races. in fact, at 160 miles for the month of December, i'm closing out 2014 with the highest monthly mileage total since july's 184 miles! hurray for that! and onward to another shot at 2,400 miles for 2015 :D

as for races, i only ran 35 of them this year. that's my lowest number of races run in well over a decade! i usually average around 50 a year and the drop off was a surprise. but, again, that was attributable to the second half of the year - in line with the overall drop off in my running mileage. but i did get in an ultra (sbyill 50k) - which i was a goal for 2014 since i ran no ultra in 2013! in addition to the my 12th nyc marathon, those were my 2 longest distance events of the year.

other highlights included my 5th escarpement trail run (a wet and soggy one in july). that sets me up for my 100 mile shirt next summer - after #6. i'm really looking forward to that one! i also completed all 5 borough races in the nyrr grand prix series! that was a logistical surprise - and marked my second consecutive year doing it (i doubt a 3 pete is in the cards for 2015). i'm sure that another race or two should be included here - and if i remember, i'll update this :D

so to wrap up, happy new year to everyone. i hope you've all had great running years! and here's to another great year of running in 2015! cheers!

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

happy 2014 national running day!

Happy National Running Day!

except for the badge above, i didn't do anything special for running day - except run my regular 6.5 route on the albany post road this afternoon. i had toyed with the idea of joining a couple of group runs in connection w/running day. but it's was tough, logistically, to swing since i was at the office most of the day. so it ran as if it was a typical running day for me - which it was - getting in the miles when i got back from the office.

so since today celebrates running - get out there and run! fast, slow, long, or far - doesn't really matter. it's just about movement :D

Sunday, December 15, 2013

van cortlandt track club's santa beer run!

today's van cortlandt track club's santa beer run was, in a word, a blast! one way to describe the holiday fun run was 7+ miles of mostly van cortandt park trails, with 3 pub destinations mixed in for rehydration. the running adventure kicked off at the tortoise and hare statue with egg nog and hot chocolate and spanned 3+ hours when we finished up at the kelly ryan pub at the north end of the park. that stop included that distinctly british pub snack, the "chip butty" - a/k/a a french fry sandwich!

it was a fantastic time all around - the trails, the pubs, the weather, and most importantly, the company!!

the rest of my photos are up on facebook.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

"ted corbitt way" - east 228th street in the bronx renamed in ted's honor!

nyc has renamed east 228th street in the bronx, "ted corbitt way." it's a well-deserved honor for the man who ushered in modern american running - from track to ultras! ted corbitt was a running hero of mine - right alongside steve prefontaine. i was honored to have met him a few times - most notably in 2007, at the 3-day broadway ultra society's pioneer memorial 100 mile trek.

ted corbit was a giant in the running community. he was the founding president of the new york road runners - and the december ted corbitt 15k is named in his honor. he was an olympian and also went on to make his mark in the world of ultrarunning. after ted passed away in december, 2007, the broadway ultra society staged a ted corbitt 24 hour run in his honor in 2008 (the race is once again being staged, on its 5 year anniversary, this october).

take this opportunity to remember ted corbitt :D

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

national running day 2013: back to the track!

in a neat coincidence, national running day fell on my first day back at the track in over a year! it wasn't planned that way. i've spent the last two months working on rebuilding my base mileage, with a 133 miles for april and 220 miles for may.

with those two solid months behind me, it was time to revisit wednesday night intervals. i ran an easy 3 miles over to the track as a warm-up. i thought about starting off w/400s (a set of 8x400) but decided to run 800's when i reached the track. i did a set of 4x800 w/a 400 recovery jog between each 800 meters. in the past, the pre-injury days, i typically ran 800' in 2:45 or faster. this time around i ran all 4 at 3:25 - basically a 6:50 pace. that was followed up with a 1.5 mile cool down, for a total run of 7.5 miles.

i had no pain in my foot - that was the biggest positive. as for getting back speed, that should come in the weeks ahead. hopefully in a month or so i can get back to 3 minute 800s. the key at this point really isn't the speed, per se. it's more about getting back the mechanics - especially building back the strength in my right foot. stay tuned :D

Friday, May 31, 2013

"running goddess" 5k this weekend at lasdon park, katonah

this weekend, lasdon park and arboretum in katonah, will host the inaugural "running goddess" 5k race for women, girls and men (wearing purple). to quote from the website:

"This inclusive event is a celebration of female camaraderie — all ages and most abilities are welcome. Some of us will run for the joy of competition. Some of us enjoy the fellowship of exercising together. Some of us will set a goal to run for charity or run our first race. Some of us are men who adore the gals in their life so much that they will wear purple to run with them."

this race reminds me of the days i participated in a similar event, the women's distance festival 5k, held at rockland lake in july. when katie was much younger (8-9 years old), she ran this race a couple of times - and I paced her. it was a unique experience to be the only guy running in a sea of women. since I was pacing my daughter it didn't generate too much controversy. interestingly, after only a couple of races, katie decided that running w/her dad wasn't cool under the circumstance and she insisted on running the 5k w/out me :D

while the event is all about women and girls, the vibe is definitely inclusive. men wearing purple, to evidence support, are welcome. the 5k runs across the varied terrain of lasdon park, giving it a trail run flavor. the location is directly across from moscoot farms, where "run the farm" is held in the fall (a 5 mile trail run). it's a great location to run!

the running goddess 5k raises money to bring "girls opportunities to excel in life through education and health." it's a great cause - participate and contribute if you can!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

scott jurek "eat & run" book launch at bryant park

this afternoon i went to see scott jurek and company (chris mcdougall, steve friedman and peter sarsgaard) at the bryant park reading room. scott was there promoting the release of his new book, "eat & run: my unlikely journey to ultrarunning greatness." he was fresh off a run of the manhattan island perimeter that morning (roughly 32.4 miles). a few of the runners who accompanied him on that group run were also in attendance.

steve friedman is the co-author of scott's book. chris mcdougal is the author of "born to run." while i have met scott a few times over the last couple of years, it was the first time i met chris. ironically, pat had met chris two years ago at their college reunion! peter sarsgaard is the director of the forthcoming movie of "born to run."

chris was the moderator of the panel presentation. briefly introducing the members and they in turn made a few remarks. questions from the capacity crowd were also taken. afterwards, copies of "eat & run" plus "born to run" were for sale - and signing, by their respective authors.

it was a fun time (and worth playing hooky from work) :D

Monday, May 21, 2012

todd's hudson river run: completed!!

yesterday, just after 5 pm, todd completed his epic 315 mile hudson river run at battery park. todd symbolically capped off the adventure when he poured the contents of a vial of water from lake tear in the clouds on the face of mount marcy, that he had carried with him on the nine days of trek, into the harbor!

the last leg began in nyack and included a run across the george washington bridge. i joined up with todd on 83rd street and riverside park. he had a great group of pacers with him throughout the day (tony, micah and mat covered the entire day's distance w/him). when we reached the javits center, mat broke out a growler for some non-traditional rehydration :D

afterwards, the celebration continued at amity hall, in greenwich village!