Saying Goodbye to 2007

Another year has passed us by, and I now look back and reflect if ever so briefly on the year that was 2007.

Since this is a running blog I focus mostly on the year in running, but I've tossed in some other memorable items that are special to me and will live in the year 2007.

I ran the fewest races in a year since 2003, completing only 8 of them.My first race of the year was a 30k and set the tone for 2007 when I PR'ed and then sliced 13 minutes off my marathon PR in Cincinnati in May. Even though I will look at the Flying Pig as a disappointment overall, many factors came into play on that one including the loss of our dog Mesa just days before leaving.

A week after returning from Cincinnati I ran the Komen Race for the Cure with my buddy "Pro" and finished with my slowest 5k time ever. Mostly because I had severe tendinitis in my ankle and because I was running with him and had no concern for time.

I also set a PR in the 10k at the Daily American in Somerset on the same day I flew to Boston. A few days later I saw my first baseball game at Fenway Park.

On the 4th of July I smashed by 15k PR by over 13 minutes and was running as solid as I felt I had ever run. Two weeks later I ran a great 5k (not a PR) in Indiana and felt I was peaking on July 21. That would turn out to be somewhat true as another injury be felled me the next week and I would suffer through a horrific month at the beginning of training for the Philadelphia Marathon.

In October I ran a 15k in Delaware, which became a new state for me to run in and although the conditions were very poor (hazy hot and humid) I was able to mentally get myself set for the Philly Marathon. That race would define 2007 missing a BQ by :04 seconds and set my sights on 2008 and what lies ahead.

As the year winds down to its final few hours I think about the new injuries I've worked through, the knowledge I've gained and the year older I've become. I look back at a year that was both challenging and rewarding in so many ways. In addition, I ran my 5,000th mile all-time and refereed in my 1,300th and 1,400th hockey game all-time. I accomplished so much more in my professional life and our family gained another dog (Vee).

With midnight nearly here I begin to think about what I'd like 2008 to bring. Sure, I've got plans already to run in Frederick in May. I have Opening Day tickets to the Pirates in April and have already booked our vacation in June. But like every other year there is much to be unexpected and that is what makes life worth living.

I look forward to the possibilities, working through difficulties and becoming a stronger runner and person. I wish all who might come across and read this good health, good luck and a Happy New Year. Until tomorrow when I post some of my goals for the new year, stay safe.

A Season Ends; Year is Next

With their 30-17 loss to the San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders season came to an end in uneventful fashion at 4-12. Something I have not talked about much on this blog is the fact that I am a lifelong Raider fan.

Part of the reason I went to Direct TV this summer was in large part to be able to get Sunday NFL Ticket and watch the team I've rooted for since I was six years old. Back then, in 1976, the year after the Raiders won their first Super Bowl, I became a Raider fan because of my uncle Tom. He has been a die hard longer than me, and one day at my grandma's for lunch I witnessed an argument between he and my dad that my uncle clearly won. It was that day I decided to go with Uncle Tom and began bleeding silver and black.

This season was special because I saw 15 of the 16 games (the lone exception being a loss against the Vikings because I was in Philadelphia running a marathon; go figure). I watched 13 of those games with Uncle Tom and with the season ending I am sad. It ends a weekly ritual that I will look forward to in 2008.

With the end of anything it makes you wonder about the past and the future. Tonight I began thinking about next year and what will be different. It is the end of one thing and the beginning of something else.

Much like the end of 2007 tomorrow night I will once again think back to a 2007 that was pretty much a successful year. I will also begin thinking of the future and what will 2008 bring?

Until tomorrow when I close the books on 2007 and Tuesday when I open the pages to a brand new year......

It's a Wonderful Life

It's Christmas Eve and my annual ritual of watching It's a Wonderful Life will take place tonight. It is my favorite movie of all time. Yes, it's sappy and yes, it's cliched but the bottom line is what better time of year to realize just how wonderful life is.

Running absolutely has added to the wonder of this particular life and I am grateful for the ability that I have been given. Tonight and tomorrow, it's not about Boston or time or speed work or hill repeats. I will rise tomorrow morning and go through the tradition of exchanging gifts with my wife. I'll have a cup of coffee and perhaps a cookie or two (hey, it's the holidays). Then I'll head out on a nice and easy 5-miler to start off the new week of running that will close out the final week of 2007.

In the next eight days I will run for the joy of running and I will reflect back. But for the next 24 hours I will enjoy my time to rest, relax and recharge.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

5k Finally

After a couple different ice storms and delaying it by three days, I finally went over the 5,000 mile mark of all time last evening. I did it on the treadmill in my basement. No fanfare. Nothing special. Just running in front of the television by myself. I kind of expected that it would happen outside someplace, but it ended up being in the comforts of home.

I had planned on doing it Thursday until an early morning ice and rainstorm hit just before waking up. So I planned on doing just enough mileage to get to 5,000 on Saturday morning until I was offered a chance to go to see Pitt/Oklahoma State. That meant it would be Sunday morning. But another wicked ice and snowstorm hit late Saturday and carried into Sunday. I thought it would subside by yesterday early afternoon. When it didn't I went through with my normal routine of watching the Raiders game and then shortly after the men in black lost to Indianapolis, 21-14 I went to the basement for my epic milestone.

A whole new meaning to the term 5k. 5,000 down, who knows how many to go.......

1,400 and 5,000

As we inch closer to the Xmas Holiday season; which is perhaps my favorite time of year, I am inching toward a couple of personal milestones of significance. It is sheer irony that these two milestones will happen within a couple of days of each other.

If all goes according to plan this week I will officiate my 1,400th hockey game on Thursday evening at Planet Ice Arena. Then, on Saturday I will run a special short run that will take me past my 5,000th mile of all time.

When I began officiating back in 1996 I initially had no aspirations or goals of any kind. Shortly after, I decided that I would like to referee in 1,000 games. Having surpassed that milestone I have established 2,000 as my next goal. In a stunning similarity I never intended on much when I began running, but after awhile the marathon became the goal. Now, obviously the Boston Marathon has become my ultimate accomplishment. In the meantime I have accidentally come upon this number that I find fascinating. I will have run across the United States and then some since 2002. Now that I'm hear, I have plenty left to go and would not only like to get to Boston but 10,000 miles seems like a nice realistic number for me to shoot for in the future.

Fred + Rick = Boston

After nearly three weeks of considering what to do next, I have made up my mind. I'm going to Frederick, Maryland for the Frederick Marathon the first weekend in May.

I have not made it official yet as I await the pending USATF Certification that will make it a Boston qualifier, but I'm nearly 100% certain that's where it will be.

I gave strong consideration to "Last Chance at Boston" in Columbus, Ohio (February) and the B&A Trail Marathon (March), but I want to make sure that I'm not limited in training and with unpredictable winter weather, I have settled on Frederick. It seems to be a little less than flat, but that should motivate me to work on the hills.

I plan on hitting hills heavy and doing much more speedwork than I'm used to in preparation for this one. I'm awful close, and am as confident as I've ever been. I just need to put in the work. Whether or not it's a hangover from Philly or that I'm simply working too much I've been tired and feel sluggish and not completely getting all of my runs in. Perhaps I needed to take more time off, so I'm playing it by ear. With a marathon selected and the holidays coming up, I'm going to take it easy. I'll run, but I'm also going to rest. Yesterday was 10 degrees and I am in a stretch of three consecutive nights of refereeing, so I didn't run yesterday. I need my batteries re-charged, but I remain focused on the goal. But I need to be smart. I look forward to the challenge that those two guys will provide me with. And I'm planning that they (Fred and Rick) will get me to Boston.

149 days to go.....

Seething and a New Purpose

It's been ten days now, and I suppose I can get over it. No longer am I sad. The tears were empty long ago. No longer am I pouting. Now I'm downright angry. Angry at myself, angry at the sport. Angry that lesser runners than me ran that race in Philadelphia and qualified because of some arbitrary time limit.

I was riddled with self doubt going into Philadelphia. Every time I've gone to a marathon I've had doubt. But make no mistake. This time, there is no room for failure. I've got a new purpose. Sure, Boston is the goal, but I don't want it to be that close. I want there to be no doubt this time around.

Having already chopped over 45 minutes off my first marathon finish, including over 10 minutes in my last race, I'm gunning for a 3:00 finish. That will leave no doubt regarding Boston.

I've carried that pace (6:52 miles) for a 10k already. Why not? I'm refining my training with a much more focused plan of hill training and speed work. Then I'll choose a pancake flat course and put this to rest once and for all.

Boston, 2009. Mark it down.

Still Painful

My body has nearly completely recovered. With the exception of a chest cold that I am being careful with, my lower extremeties have returned to near 100%. It is always amazing to me how I can barely do steps a day or two after a marathon and equally amazing that I am able to resume normal walking and stairs within a week.

With the "near miss" of a Sunday ago, the physical pain has nearly departed, but the mental pain is still with me. I get the feeling this one will take some time to get rid of completely. The holiday was a nice distraction and I will return to refereeing a full schedule within another week. I'm sure that will help, but the questions are still in my mind. The thoughts are still there and they haunt me.

What if I never get that close again? When will I plateau? Eventually I will slide back on a race time. I cannot continue to set PR's. Inevitably that day will come. Will it be the next race? How do I go into my next race NOT putting undue pressure that is totally expected? And inevitably, when will I race again?

For now, those questions remain unanswered. And they will stay that way. Eventually I'll figure it out. Eventually I'll move on. Right now, the mental pain stays and lingers. Like Forrest Gump, that's all I have to say about that.....

0:04

Where to even begin with this one. Such a wonderful event that leaves me feeling so empty.

I ran the Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday. The weather was perfect. Forty degree temps. with a light misty rain on and off. A bit windier than I would have liked, but not all that bad. Immediately within the first 4-8 miles I knew I was going to have a shot at a Boston Qualifier. It really hit me when I passed the 16 mile mark in under Boston time. By mile 24, I was preparing for a trip to Boston.

Unfortunately, I didn't really hit the wall, but I was close. My legs got pretty wiped out in the final mile or so. The last 200 yards of this race had me pushing with everything I had in a desperate attempt to come in under my BQ time, including the one minute cushion that the Boston Athletic Association gives you. For me, that meant completing a marathon in 3:15:59 or less.

Rounding the final corner, I pushed as hard as I could and upon crossing the line, my watch showed 3:16:02. A tense seven hours had me wondering if perhaps I clicked my watch a bit early or late at the start or finish line. In my heart I knew I didn't make it, but upon checking the website last evening shortly after 5:30 p.m. I saw what I knew all along. I missed it. By 0:04 seconds.

I will absorb this over the next few days. I know this won't stop me, but it hurts me. I feel like I missed a golden opportunity. I have so many thoughts, but I'm going to feel bad for a few days. I earned that right. Then I'll figure out where I'm going to qualify. Too many cliches, but the one I keep thinking of is, "nothing ventured, nothing gained".

I PR'ed again, but right now that hardly matters.

The Final Stretch

Down to six days until Philadelphia, and of one thing only am I certain. That I will complete the 26.2 mile trek for a fourth time. What I am uncertain of is how quickly (or slowly) I will do it. This has been one of the strangest preparations for a marathon thus far.

As I ran in a light snow for the first time since the break of last winter just the other day, it dawned upon me that my training has been difficult this time. That is perhaps the reason that it seems as though it has taken an eternity to get here. In each of the past three marathons, training seemed to fly by and I was heading to the marathon city "before I knew it".

This time, however, it seems as though I've been training endlessly. The odd part is that this will be the lowest mileage total in preparation thus far (just over 200 miles). It is for that and other reasons (all of my health issues leading up to this one) that I go in with a huge question mark. It is also perhaps the other reason that I go to Philadelphia with next to zero expectations. I am never one to say never, but it is very likely this will not be the Boston qualifier that I set my sights on just over six months ago.

Each race is different, and yes, this is no exception. I almost don't look foward to it. And that tells me that after next Sunday I need a well deserved break no matter what happens.

Doin' the 2 1/2 Splits

The actual heading for this post was either going to be:

• 2 1/2 Weeks? or
• Doin' the Splits

In lieu of either, I combined the two and came up with Doin' the 2 1/2 splits. Now to explain. I couldn't believe it's been 2 1/2 weeks since I posted on my running blog. It's not been due to lack of running. In fact, I've been doing plenty of that. After doing the 14, I was able to do 18 the following Sunday and this past weekend did 20, albeit of the different variety.

I had read about doing longer runs in split fashion. So due to timing issues and wanting to see how it worked out for me, I did exactly that. I ran 10 miles on Sunday morning. I came home, ate lunch, watched my Raiders lose another game and then headed back out for another 10 miler.

What I learned was that doing 20 miles in that fashion is much less of an impact on my joints. I actually had very little residual effects of those miles come Monday morning.

Also, ironically enough, I am in the middle of a 2 1/2 week split right now. I haven't posted in that length of time, and that is how long I have remaining until the Philadelphia Marathon. Am I ready? One never knows. But I will go and will finish. It's just a matter of how long it takes. Here's hoping it doesn't take 2 1/2 weeks.

Getting Longer

A banner day with five weeks to go. Completed 14 uneventful miles in just a bit longer than BQ time. A bit bored, since I hadn't run that long since the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon on May 6.

I'm taking the position I took when I went to Baltimore last October. I'm going to Philadelphia with no expectations whatsoever. Today proved to me that I will be able to complete the marathon. If I happen to feel great that day and can qualify for Boston, fine. If not, then I'll add a 4th marathon to my list and hope for better on another day.

October?

After driving nearly 100 miles one way from Dewey Beach, DE to Wilmington, DE on Sunday to race a 15k, I had but one question. O.k., two. Why would I do that in the first place? And secondly, was it October? With race time temperatures at 8:00 a.m. of 70 degrees, that quickly warmed to over 80 by the time the run was over, I was slogging along the final two miles or so feeling much like I did in Cincinnati in May.

But overally, I was able to get through it in a decent time (BQ time) of 1:08:25. Although I wonder if I hurt my confidence a bit. A fairly flat course, I struggled. I'll write it off to having to rise so early, drive 100 miles and then run in weather that had dew points nearly the same as the air temps.

With just over five weeks to go I also ask myself this question. Am I doing enough? I truly don't know. But it's been one thing after another this year. My normal training run Tuesday was canceled because of stomach cramps. Feet, back, and now stomach issues. Was it from the run on Sunday? Who the hell knows.

All Funked Up

Haven't posted for over a week. Thought I should at least post something. Ironically enough, the reason I haven't been on as much is because of my schedule. Which is all funked up.

Hockey has started, and combined with teaching classes, other responsibilities and working through several injuries this year it has been a weird period of time.

I have a marathon to run in less than seven weeks, and I am nowhere near the mileage numbers I need. I have also not had much speedwork. I remember now why I don't run "late" fall marathons or "early" spring marathons.

Unlike my previous marathon runs, I have no idea where I stand other than I know I'm running my shorter runs at a much faster pace. It doesn't stand to reason, but I'll go with it.

I'm almost not looking forward to a marathon for the first time, yet I want to do it. I know. All funked up.

Back!?!

I wouldn't say fully, but my back is much better. I cannot give enough credit to Dr. E.J. Semelsberger of Pinnacle Chiropractic in Johnstown, PA.

He got me over my foot issues, and now looks as though my back issues will be; well, behind me (pun absolutely intended). My training schedule has gone through hell, but I'm at least into some semblence of a plan that I am pretty sure will get me through the marathon. I have less than 8 weeks to go. I'm not sure why it is so important that I get this fourth one in by the end of this year, but it is to me.

I've got some plans for 2008, but I'm going to take the advice of a man I heard speaking in Boston in June. I'm simply going to live in the moment a bit more. Does it get any better now that we are on the cusp of October? Baseball playoffs begin, hockey season begins and football is in full swing. Throw in the fact that Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner (three of my favorite holidays) and the seasons changing and it truly is the most spectacular time of the year.

Some Random Thoughts....

• Does anybody care about doping in cycling? Or how about cycling in general since Lance Armstrong is no longer racing?
• What happened to customer service in this world?
• Is it me, or has society gotten numb to being rude?
• Don't you wish we all had instant replay to correct a mistake?
• Is it better to be active and risk injury from overtraining, or sit around and be happy, fat and end up getting heart disease or some other condition from NOT exercising?
• Why is there so much lack of common sense?
• Are we destroying our planet?
• Why gossip?
• Why hate?
• Things can always be worse, no matter who you are, right?
• Are there human beings elsewhere in our solar system?
• Why are we so self-centered?
• If time is something that was man-made, how do we know how long things take, really?
• If being 18 felt like it was yesterday, I'd be in school today.
• Why are you even still reading this? It makes no sense. But then again, does anything?

Slogging Along

Although pleased to be consistently running again, it has reached the point that I feel like I'm "slogging" along. With 60 days to go, there is much work to be accomplished yet. But while there is so much to get through, patience needs to be the virtue for the moment.

Hockey season has started again and I must be careful in all aspects of my training. Still struggling with a bit of a back pain due to my P90X workouts has led me to the conclusion that I must temporarily suspend completing that 90 day program and focus on getting my back better, while running towards Philadelphia.

With hockey in full swing in a few weeks, I should have plenty going on and can do various P90X workouts as I feel up to them. I will go back to that program and start anew once I get through Philly.

Sounds like a plan...

A Race Date?

That's right. After nine consecutive training runs without issues I believe it is time to up the ante. I've been building my mileage slowly. Probably as slow as I ever have. But being careful is going to take me only so far. I think it is time to get back to a race. I haven't run one since July 21 and having only done six this year so far I am on pace to complete my fewest races in five years.

On October 7, I will run a 15k in Wilmington, DE when I will be at the beach for a greyhound gathering. It will test how far my progress has come, get me back to race conditions and determine where I am in terms of marathon readiness. Only three weeks until then, and when it's over I'll be heading into the homestretch with just six weeks left until the marathon. I cannot imagine more perfect timing. Now I just need to run.

September 11

A moment of silence. A day of remembrance. We will never forget.

Getting Back Into the Groove

Six consecutive training runs. Even though I haven't instituted any speedwork as of yet, I might do that this weekend. I don't classify myself as being fully back and I've got to take extra care not to have any more setbacks.

There are but 10 weeks and 3 days to go and I am intent on running this thing. I have learned quite a bit over the past month. I also understand the limits of the body and how important rest plays a part in being a runner.

In order to "up the ante", I'll forego doing Yasso 800's and do mile repeats. I might start with two on Saturday. It may behoove me to wait one more week to incorporate speed training so I'll listen to my body and decide.

I wouldn't say I'm back, but I'm getting back into the groove and it feels good.

Progress?

It's been awhile since I posted, but with the holiday weekend that included a final run of umpiring and a fantasy draft that included guests in town I haven't had a ton of time to post.

I did get treated again last week and was discouraged by the pace of progress, but something amazing happened this weekend. I continued to improve again and was able to get in runs on Thursday and Sunday. That makes four consecutive training runs (without speed work as of yet), and yesterday included a four mile run - my longest thus far. A continued slow build up this week should lead me to hopefully a five miler or possibly some speed work. I'll play it by ear. With another treatment session planned for Wednesday I'm beginning to think that maybe the worst is behind me.

It was a long weekend though and I am tired. I missed a few workouts, but was able to squeeze in two rounds of 18 hole golf, three baseball games including one behind the plate and that four miler.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

1 and 2 = 3

One and two put together make three. Or twelve. Or both. Depends on your perspective. Today it was both. Putting one and two together gives me twelve weeks from today and I should be about done with the Philadelphia Marathon. It will be my fourth.

But today the number was also three. Three as in three miles. On doctor's orders I went to the track and did three miles. Unlike my last "comeback" I am not excited. I am not getting too high. I am simply glad that I was able to run three miles with no issues.

My foot is not 100%. I still feel uncomfort in there. But I was able to get through it pain free and for that I am nothing short of grateful today. It has really changed my perspective.

Yes, I am thinking of Philadelphia. But I am not worried too much about it. Boston; not even on my radar right now. Just running. That is my focus. There is time for all that other stuff.

An Active Release

Finally disgusted with the waiting and the impatience, I made an appointment to see a Doctor. I heard about a local sports chiropractor at the gym last week and decided to give it a shot. After one session with Dr. E.J. Semelsberger at Pinnacle Chiropractic Sports and Spine Center (www.pcspineandsports.com) and one run through with the Active Release Technique (ART) (www.activerelease.com) I am well on my way to getting back on the roads. Well, sort of.

Based on doctor recommendations I will go run a few miles on the track this coming Sunday. I was told to run so that we could gauge how ART is working for me. That was exciting news and I am anxiously awaiting Sunday. I can honestly say that I feel better. Probably more mentally, but I also feel as if my foot has improved. I am no longer afraid to run. If it responds well, great. If not, at least I've got a treatment plan going and I should be back to normal fairly soon.

Twelve weeks and two days to go. There is still time!

Holding Pattern

My bout with platar fasciitis is by far the most frustrating injury I've ever had. It has forced me to deal with the prospect of not running for longer than I have since I began running in 2002. As the days tick away, it feels as though I have made the right decision to hold off from running another week. In the long run, I have embraced the opportunity to rest. But rest I have not done.

Several weeks ago, I spoke with a friend who told me he had purchased the P90X program (www.beachbody.com) - there is my FIRST shameless plug online. Nevertheless, I had seen the infomercials before and after speaking with him decided that since my weightlifting had stagnated and given way to more running, it might be the home fitness program I had been looking for. Incorporating a lot of additional helpful cardio and even yoga on top of the lifting aspect seemed like something that could only make me a stronger runner in the long-run (no pun intended).

I wondered how I would do both the P90 and run my normal schedule. Ironically enough, the last two weeks has been the ideal time for me to begin the program and get up to speed while waiting out my foot.

It has turned out to be a godsend. Not only am I getting more fit, it almost feels as though I haven't stopped running. My wind is good, and in strange ways, even though there is more difficult foot movements (especially on the plyometrics), it has helped my foot.

With any luck, I will be running again next week, and I believe that although I will be doing more, it should help me in the long run to be more flexible and add to my running ability. Perhaps it will be P90X that will get me to Boston.

NOTE: If you happen to read this and decide to check it out, I must tell you that you have to be in some kind of good shape before beginning this program. It is not for beginners.

Totally In Tune

What have I learned over the past couple of weeks? As tomorrow marks 3 weeks down of training for Philadelphia; leaving 13 weeks to go, I have struggled with the fact that my foot feels o.k. 95% of the time. Over the past two weeks I have reinforced in my mind something that I've known for quite awhile. I am very in tune with my body. I can tell that I am not ready to go full out marathon training yet. I know that I cannot even begin to think about running again.

Last weekend I did 3 miles and was very excited. I did it pain free. But I pushed it, and tried to go out Sunday as well. I didn't wait long enough and didn't build up slowly enough and as a result I struggled again on Monday at work. And although the stabbing pains left me a lot quicker this week, I do not want to have another setback.

So I struggle with wanting to get going. Anxious like a child in the days leading up to Christmas. Wanting to go. Wanting to run. Feeling good enough to run, but in tune enough to know that I must continue to be patient and miserable.

I think perhaps 1 mile tomorrow and a gradual build up from scratch. I try to balance the fact that I've got limited time for Philadelphia and cannot afford the patience that I now know that I need. So I'll take a shot at it and do as gradual as I can, and will do the best I can knowing somewhere in the deep part of my mind that Philadelphia may not be possible. I've got to take it one day at a time, but still live in reality knowing that I need to be smart.

Simply another challenge for me. And yet another side of running that I knew existed but haven't had to deal with much. This is perhaps the worst. A pain free injury? Yes. More like a discomfort that I don't want becoming pain riddled. Amazing.....

Dam-Mitt

Since I haven't been in formal school or formal English class in years, pardon me if I mistakenly call the heading of this post by the wrong phrase. My synonym should be obvious to pick up on. Obviously I'm not angry at my baseball mitt, I am angry period. I suppose frustrated more than anything.

Although I had a wonderful 3 miler on Saturday, I may have tried to get back to normal too fast and with my 3 miler Sunday I experienced the same "twinges" early on in the run and then throughout. My foot has been teetering on the brink of going back to square one for days. Although today is a good day, I am not getting too excited. I have now planned on being off of running until Sunday and once again on the shelf. I'm even afraid to run on Sunday for fear that I'll have those twinges again and then time starts becoming a factor.

With just over 13 weeks until Philadelphia, I am not to the critical stage yet, but with each passing day I fall further behind. Not only because I am not running, but I am losing the ground gained over the summer. I no longer feel as if I'll never be able to run again (even though it feels that way sometimes), but with the 12 week window coming up this Sunday, I am dangerously close to a decision I don't want to have to make.

I take comfort in the fact that my best marathon (not time-wise) was Baltimore, and I only had 11 weeks to prepare for it. In; as irony would have it, 11 more days, I'll be sitting at 11 weeks until Philadelphia. A challenge? Sure. But at what point does reality and being smart about it kick in and I have to think of possibly dropping back to the half or not going at all? I'm very close to going white car on someone (see 5 posts ago).

A Pair of Elevens

Not shoes. Days. That's how long I was off from running while my foot was getting better. Today I got back out on the road and did a measley three miles, but it felt good to finally be training again.

I wouldn't say that I'm at 100%, but 95% for sure. No major hurdles throughout the run other than the humidity and fatigue. I was able to run and move around a little bit this week as I umpired the AAABA tournament and I think that helped me get back so quickly.

A week ago I would have felt there was no chance I was running for a minimum of two weeks. But once again, my mind was too negative. It felt great to be running again, and I'm going to be careful. My goal is to peak 14 weeks from tomorrow.

Maybe eleven is my lucky number? I suppose it could be my version of thirteen. Guess it depends on how you look at it. All I know is that a pair of elevens within three months of each other tells me I need to do more cross training and a little less focusing on speed all the time. Another lesson learned.

Change of Plans?

Today I read in the newspaper something that I have been wanting to read since I began running marathons just over a year ago. With plans to run in New York, Chicago and hopefully Boston someday, the city that was at the top of my list didn't exist. Anymore, anyway. After running for 19 years, the Pittsburgh Marathon called it quits. But after reading this article and then doing some web searching I am very confident that the Pittsburgh Marathon will return in 2008. I am in the process of gladly changing my plans if this is in fact the case.

With just over 9 months to go before the May 4 date that I read about, I can only imagine that it will be just weeks before hearing whether or not one of the top 20 marathons in the country will return.

I hope that by the time I'm into full training swing again and before I toe the line in my home state in November, I will also have plans to toe it again on the other side of the state closer to home. Pittsburgh, PA.

Having that option would be wonderful. And in an odd twist, I could complete something I hadn't intended to do when I began running marathons. Running the AFC North Division (Cleveland, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh?). Weird, but it could happen. I wonder how many would be in that club?

101 Days

After another struggle with injury, I decided to play it smart and wait it out. All of my instincts fought me to get out on the road. It has been 9 days since I went on a training run.

I am better. But not foolish enough to think that I am 100%. Amazing the little difference one can feel between 90% and 100%, but there is a difference. So to avoid another setback, I will play it smart. Maybe Saturday, Sunday for sure.

Now the goal is to set my mind on going easy and coming back slowly. Two things NOT in my forte. But hopefully I've learned something. And my running journey continues.

101 days to Philly.....

When the Going Gets Tough

The tough get patient. That is perhaps one of the toughest things to do. Waiting out an injury and being patient is not my forte, but it has become the necessary evil of long distance running. My latest, a bout with plantar fasciitis (I now know the correct spelling) has me very impatient. Although it has been less than a week, I have difficulty not running. I am anxious to get my training back on track, but know that the best I can do is wait. I should be out on my Sunday long run right now, but instead I do the next best thing. Sit here and write about it.

I have been on the bike and will be doing that again today, perhaps even dipping in the pool and swimming some laps, which I absolutely hate. But I will try to maintain my level of fitness and do the best I can with my foot. What I hate the most is the uncertainty that every single step brings. Will I feel that sharp stabbing pain that I felt on Monday and Tuesday? It's much duller (if that is a word) now, but still comes and goes. I walk babying it, but do not want to suffer any kind of setback. Even the smallest of walking distances without having my "needles" is a positive that I grasp onto and hope that I am getting better. I feel like I'm improving, but not as fast or as well as I want to be.

So the time ticks by and I look at the calendar and am at least thankful that it happened now. I plan and re-plan and adjust. Perhaps I should do less of that and get going when my body says it's o.k. to go. Then do what feels right. Perhaps the best approach to this next marathon will be less planning and more feeling? It's more mind games like this that I consider with each passing day. I just hope these thoughts become reality sooner rather than later.

Don't Make Me Go White Car on Your Ass

This one was just too good to pass up, whilst I rehabilitate my slight case of plantar fascia. To fully understand where I'm going with this, a bit of a history lesson first.

Several years ago, I received a t-shirt from my brother Rick at Christmas that has become "that" t-shirt. One my wife despises, and one that has become my 'go to' around the house type shirt. Every guy has one. I just learned of one of our neighbors Mr. Bubbles shirt. I'll come back to the shirt.

Last summer I drove home from work, minding my own business and pulled into my garage like I always do. Several minutes later a police officer knocked on my front door and wondered if I drove a white car. Moments before I drove past a group of neighbor kids, an older gentleman driving a white car had attempted to offer candy to these kids. When they saw my car, they called the police who were following up on a lead. When the officer saw that I did not fit the description (a man in his 60's with white hair), it was simply a case of mistaken identity.

Last night at 3:00 a.m. the faint sound of a barking dog worked it's way through our open window and as I began to focus in, became louder and more clear over the humming sound of our ceiling fan. In my head I thought, 'someone will hear it and either bring it in or get it to stop'. A half hour later, the dog had continued to bark incessantly. Losing patience and now wide awake I decided that I would go and investigate the whereabouts of this barking. Because of the time of night and because I wasn't exactly sure where it was coming from I pulled the car out of the garage and drove toward the sound. Turns out it was only a couple hundred yards away. The dog was sitting at the base of a speed limit sign at the edge of a yard whose house was up for sale and vacant. Still, plenty of houses surrounded this area and I found it hard to believe nobody had either come outside to investigate (like me) or call the police.

Since the road I was sitting on can actually be busy and does have a posted speed limit of 35 I thought I would pull around the block to a safer location before calling the police. As I came around the block it became apparent that one of the neighbors had awoken (all of her lights were on and she stood in the doorway with a phone in her hand) and called the police who were now pulling up on us (me and the dog) from the opposite direction.

Amazingly, as the officer got out of his car and approached me, he said they had received a report of a white car driving around the neighborhood. To make a long story short(er), we figured out that the dog had broken free from it's porch but dragged it's leash behind it and had gotten it wrapped around the speed limit sign. All is well that ends well, but not before a second police unit had arrived on the scene and one other neighbor.

When I returned to the house, my wife Becky and I had a laugh because as I described to her the events from above it dawned upon me that I was wearing that shirt Rick had given me years ago and that I now typically sleep in during the summer time. Since it is a summer shirt now, the sleeves have since been cut off but the words on the front are still legible. We laughed at the prospect of how it would have been a perfect scene to be shown on Cops. There I am in the middle of the night with a cutoff t-shirt that reads "Don't Make Me Go Hockey On Your Ass" in my now infamous white car.

Needless to say, the transition as we laughed was a simple one. I now have a new phrase to use, since Becky made the observation that it might be time to begin looking for a new car. What does this have to do with running? Absolutely nothing. But since I had to take this morning off because of nagging foot pain, it gave me something to write about. And it gave me a new phrase to use now and probably forever. "Don't Make Me Go White Car On Your Ass."

And Away We Guuuuhhh....

So Philadelphia training started this morning and after a few months of anticipation there was excitement I haven't felt for awhile. Wanting to put aside the issues surrounding Cincinnati and the struggles shortly after, I was anxious to get going.

Monday afternoon as I walked around at work I felt a slight "twinge" in my left plantar fasciatis. Not painful, but just a "twinge" that I would describe more as an ache than anything.

Not wanting to take the first day of training off, I decided to head out and give it a try. A few twinges gave way to normal running and I felt pretty confident even though I knew it wasn't the best idea. The plan was to do a 4 miler according to my schedule. Halfway through the run, I decided to cut it to 3 and not take any more of a risk than I needed to.

When I made the last turn and headed up the final hill to the house, the twinge began hitting with every foot stroke. Needless to say, beginning training was not the smartest thing to do. Back to ice, rolling a tennis ball on my foot and now, taking Thursday off. Saturday is a toss up. Perhaps the toughest thing during training is being patient when you need to be. It might be tougher when it's the first week. Thank God it's not October.

And Away We Go

Sixteen weeks, and it will all be over with. Philadelphia training is upon me.

A final long run of 11.5 miles today in a hot, humid sticky soup was all that stood between me and Philly training. I got it in, and barely. I learned today that I am a cooler weather runner. It has not been that hot or humid most of the summer and today was just brutal. After a 3 mile out and back put me halfway done, I began an opposite 3 mile out and back that was just brutal. I hadn't felt that awful since the final 4 miles in Cincinnati.

I obviously ran the first half too fast and after struggling through the first three miles, I worked my way back to the house glad that I hadn't passed out from heat exhaustion.

After an afternoon of recovery in the air conditioned comfort of the house and a good supper, I can say that I am ready for this next sixteen weeks. I have no idea if it will be good, bad or indifferent. I have no idea what challenges lie ahead. I just know that I've got miles in front of me and I am excited at the uncertainty. It is a good feeling to have a schedule and prepare for what I have coined the most important race so far. Will I end up in Boston come Sunday, November 18, 2007? Check back in 16 weeks and the answer will be right here on this page. That chapter hasn't been written yet, but it will be written between now and then.

"That's a Boston mile!"

Motivation comes in crazy ways to crazy people like us runners. For me, like most runners I will use motivational quotes, listen to music on my ipod that motivates me and in general my thoughts. Thoughts of qualifying for Boston. Thoughts of a PR or a great run. Many other thoughts too numerous to post here.



Recently I began a habit of saying, "that's a Boston mile" every time I run a mile in 7:29 or less. See, if I run 26.2 miles at an average pace of 7:29 per mile I qualify for Boston. It's that simple. So I have begun the arduous process of teaching my body to run longer faster. And part of that process is being able to post longer and longer runs of 7:29 miles one after another.



So about a week ago, when I time my runs, when I finish a mile in 7:29 or less, I say "that's a Boston mile". It started in my head. In my thoughts. But recently I've begun saying it aloud. Hearing it makes it more real somehow. At first I worried if people were out and heard me that it might sound stupid. But I don't run for them. And honestly, I don't really care what people think of me. I'm on a mission. That's all that really matters. And with the fall just ahead of us, and the days getting shorter, not many folks are outside to hear me anyway.



Strung together 4 times, "that's a Boston mile" would equal 29:56. After doing four miles in 28:28 this morning, that was a Boston run. Now I just need to do that same thing 5 1/2 more times in a row on the same day. No problem.

A Unique Experience

So I got up today and decided to go to Indiana (about a 35 minute drive) to take part in the Citizens Helping Citizens 5k race. I felt pretty good when I awoke.

For a change I was nice and early. So I flipped on the television and saw a documentary on the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team. I've seen it before, but today it would help play a role in my run.

The 9:00 a.m. race got under way and we were off. Running through the streets of Indiana (the home of Jimmy Stewart) and eventually onto a grassy hillside and on a race track (for cars) and through a swimming area, a parking lot and then back through some more of the campus of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Needless to say, it was by far the most unique race I have run in. Well, one of the most unique.

Coming up for the final mile, I digged down knowing that I would be close to 20:00. I had intended on doing between 20:00 and 21:00, but then I had hopes for a PR. My PR in a 5k is 20:04. After today it still is. But I knew that I had company behind me and knew that I would be close to a "medal". I race against myself, but when push comes to shove, I don't want to lose a medal like I had done in the 4th of July 15k (by a mere :03).

On the final push, I drew from the emotions I felt and saw in the documentary earlier in the day and crossed the finish line in 20:18. Good for 1st in the 30-39 age group and one of the most unique awards I've ever gotten (pictured here). I am amazed that I hadn't seen this before. Irony at it's best. A clock for a great time!

Graspin' for Topics

And so I've chosen the next big race. And I've continued to train and run. And so time goes on. Not much to write about really.

My years are very phase-oriented. Fall is when it begins to get hectic. School will begin and so will hockey and time will not seem that plentiful. It will stay that way through Christmas, when a short break will give way to more craziness in the dead of winter. But in the middle of July, when umpiring and my regular job are my only callers, time can draw out like a blade (see Shawshank Redemption). Actually, it's not that bad. It's a change of pace. It's reward for the hard work and little sleep that will encompass me from late August/early September through late April/early May.

And so I am in the laid back days of summer. Perhaps I'll run the Citizens Helping Citizens 5k tomorrow morning in Indiana, PA. It's speed work with a t-shirt. Although this isn't the best plan, I'll plan on going unless I get up too late to get there.

Much like when I was a kid; I love summer.

Another Week Already?

The dog days of summer. Typically that's sometime in August, but since I'm approaching a new training regimen at the end of this month, it feels like the dog days. No "formal" training going on other than a week to week schedule that I build upon week by week.

As a result, I've gotten into a sort of "funk". The running is going great, but I noticed last night that I've slacked off on the blog. So I decided to hit it up with another post today.

My running schedule has been kind of erratic lately. I typically followed a Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday schedule with speedwork on Fridays or Saturdays but I've done a lot of Wednesday and Friday running of late. Various circumstances have come about, and that is one of the beauties of not being into "formal" training mode. Flexibility. When I get into "formal" training I follow a schedule fairly rigid and don't deviate unless it's absolutely necessary.

But that is not the case during the dog days. Take today for example. I did my usual Tuesday 4 yesterday and then followed up with another 4 this morning because Becky is out of town at training again. Rather than getting back on the dreadmill in the humid basement tomorrow morning, I went back to back. That will allow me an extra day of rest before doing speedwork either this Friday or Saturday (informal training flexibility). Not to mention I'm in charge of the dogs until Beck gets back tomorrow. Maybe that's why it feels like the "dog" days, huh?

Fifteen for the Fourth

Today being the 4th of July, it is another day to enjoy the freedoms that we have as Americans. And as part of that freedom, we can decide to go or do just about anything we want to; within reason.

Within reason for me today was to head over the mountain to Altoona, PA to run in the Hollidaysburg YMCA 15k. There was a 5k available, but crazy as I am I decided to do the big boy.

I haven't run a 15k in almost three years. The last one I did was the Flight 93 Memorial 15k in November, 2004. That was a brutal course. This one was pitched as "flat and furiously fast". I'll agree with half of it. It was fast, but flat? Yes and no. There were some hills there. You could barely make them out, but they were there.

Despite the obstacles, which included me not really being thoroughly prepared to do a race of this distance right now, and umpiring behind home plate last night, which is killer on the legs, I went over there this morning with the intention of doing a sub-1:10. 1:09:30 puts me on a Boston pace, and since I'm so focused on Boston that has become my measuring stick. I thought it was a reasonable goal. Turns out, I was right.

Came across the line in 1:06:19. An excellent time and a new PR for a 15k, by over twelve minutes. There is no doubt I am as good a runner as I have ever been. There is no doubt I'm as close to Boston as I have ever been. And there is no doubt that today was a good day. Despite the good, I still only placed 4th in my age group and 21st overall. Now, I've PR'ed 4 times in my last 5 races. But I don't count the 5k I ran the week after the marathon. I went with a friend as support and battled tendinitis that day. No medal today. That's kind of a new thing for me of late. I run for the medals. But it's not always about the medals. Happy Birthday America.

It's O-Philly-ficial

Not that I hadn't already posted that I decided to do the Philadelphia Marathon in November, but as of yesterday it is official. I am registered and as a result, now 100% committed to heading east.

Oddly enough, my previous three marathons have been outside the boundaries of my home state of Pennsylvania. And oddly even more is that it will take me as long or longer to get to Philadelphia than it did to reach my previous destinations (Cleveland, Baltimore and Cincinnati).

Either way, it should be a good week. Summer heat lies ahead, but the cool down will come just about the time I need it. And I'm hoping that I can make just as much of a stride this year in the fall as I did last year.

I'm close and feel as though it is time. I can only hope and pray that my body is up to the challenge and I run into a spatter of good luck as I move forward.

Official training is still four weeks away, but today I begin doing some speed work and will gradually increase my long runs starting tomorrow. It's not official training yet, but it feels like it now that I'm officially registered.

Grylls? Sure. Bear? No.

Running is a relatively simple task. You put one foot in front of the other and you do it as quickly as possible if you want to be fast. You battle yourself and the occasional other runner if you so choose. You battle the elements, the landscape and occasionally a dog, people and on a rare occasion wildlife (depending on where you run).

I live in the Allegheny Mountains of western Pennsylvania. I live in a mostly residential area in the suburbs with houses pretty much as far as the eye can see. But there is also a lot of wooded areas, and state game lands within a few miles. It is a rather unique area of the country to live. The weather can play havoc with you and change in an instant. We get to experience all four seasons of the year and generally it is a great place to live.

As a runner, I've encountered the aforementioned wildlife. I've run head on into a skunk or two, plenty of rabbits squirrels and a groundhog or two. I've seen deer in the dim moonlight of an early morning run and even saw what I thought was a fox dashing into a heavily wooded area out in front of me.

A few weeks ago, our neighbor reported seeing a black bear in the alley behind our house. Tree trunks carry the evidence of bear scratching and word around town is that a black bear has been seen cleaning out bird feeders. Living in the area that I do, this is a bit startling. We are not mountain people living in the deep country. And as an early morning runner, it is a concern that I now run with. Different sections of my runs carry me past possible bear encounters. And although I would love to run into Bear Grylls, the Man vs. Wild guy on Discovery and host of my new favorite show; an encounter with a real bear is not high on my list. Needless to say, it will be an interesting summer and fall as I keep one eye on the road, and one eye to the wooded areas as I run past. Hopefully fast.

Crazy Month of June

I wouldn't say I was necessarily a world traveler, but with a 5-day stint in Boston, followed by a 5-day stint on holiday with the wife in Ocean City, Maryland I've certainly had to focus extra hard to stay on track.

It is always nice running in new settings and on somewhat unfamiliar ground. But it is also a bonus to be at home running on familiar territory. I have certainly missed that and am anxious to settle back into my normal routine. I am fatigued and have probably put on a few pounds. Eating schedules and running schedules have been a mess. But now that I have put the summer travel behind me I look to build up over the next five weeks in preparation for my official Philly training. It's sort of the build up before the build up. Nothing really "official", but always with an eye to the near future.

July 31. That's the official first day of training. But before then, it's a gradual build up to 10 mile long runs over the next five weeks. I'll sprinkle some speedwork in as well to help springboard my training toward what I hope will be a Boston qualifier.

Yo! To Philly We Go!

November 18, 2007
Philadelphia, PA
The City of Brotherly Love
The Liberty Bell
The Home of Rocky Balboa
A fast flat marathon course, ranked #1 by Runner's World Magazine and the location of my next marathon.

As I spent five days in Boston, I thought a lot about what it would take to bring me back someday. I saw an old city full of character and history. I thought about my finalists and thought about the time I had to prepare for each. I thought about a lot of things. Each time, Philadelphia kept entering my thoughts. I think Philadelphia and Boston are quite similar. Close to the coast, older neighborhoods, and tons of American history.

It really was a no-brainer. It leaves me the maximum amount of time to prepare and run a marathon in this calendar year. I've actually thought about my "lineup". Ideally, I will qualify for Boston in Philadelphia. That will enable me to run Boston in either 2008 or 2009. I will use it in 2009 and will take 11 months to recharge myself and run Chicago in October 2008. That will help to springboard me to Boston in 2009. Worst case scenario; I don't qualify for Boston in Philadelphia in November, and then run the next best place to do it (Chicago) and I also avoid having to do another spring marathon until I get to go to Boston. (winter running sucks).

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Philadelphia, 2007. My choice for #4.

Running Along the Charlie

I came to Boston wanting to experience it, and hoped that she would talk to me. This morning I got to run along the Charles River and experienced all the flavor of New England. I swear I've run races with less people running around me.

When you picture a run like this you picture the skyline in the background with row teams in tow. So often in life when you get to experience something that you've been envisioning it ends up being a bit of a disappointment. No such thing here. It was all I expected it to be and then some.

O.k., so it was just a five mile run. Big deal right? Not if you're a runner. I planned on heading across the river and up into Harvard University, but I got so caught up in the run that I was out too long and will have to check Harvard off my list tomorrow or Wednesday.

I also found the finish line. The one I will cross someday in the future. I will get a photo of it before I leave this place, but I re-enacted coming down the homestretch and pictured the throng of people clapping and yelling and cheering me on. It wasn't the same, but for now it will have to do.

I came here with a purpose and so far I'm on track to take away what I hoped I would.

PR and a Flight

The last time I was on an airplane was in 2003. I was in Las Vegas and got up the morning of our flight home and ran a 10k race before departing.

Ironically, I woke yesterday morning and ran a 10k race before getting a flight to Boston. Several things were different this time. In 2003 I ran perhaps the toughest 10k course I've ever run and clocked just over 49 minutes. Then we experienced the worst flight in the history of aviation. O.k., it might not have been in the history of aviation, but it was the worst I've ever experienced. I vowed to never get on a plane again.

This time, I clocked a PR time of 41:40 and despite my four year hiatus, I did get on a plane and this time it wasn't that bad. A bit bumpy but nothing horrible.

Amazingly, my body has fully recovered and I knocked off 1:57 off my previous PR. All this despite a difficult course (2nd toughest). I think that perhaps I am feeling much better and have recovered from Cincinnati, and I capitalized on my good fitness from all that training.

Boston I am a Comin'!!

O.k., so it's not for the marathon; yet. On Saturday I'll be flying out to Boston to attend a 4 day conference on risk management. Not the most exciting topic, but something that I desperately need professionally. Dealing with workers' compensation claims and all the nuances of the Law in regards to it is probably my weakest area so it should be productive and useful professionally.

On a personal note, it will also serve as a bit of a pilgrimage. I will be within a stones throw of the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Having never been there, it is my hope that I will be energized and hope that seeing the city and being there will help me to keep my eye on that elusive goal. To envision it without ever having been there is one thing, but to be able to draw upon the actual sites and sounds and flavor will be quite another. I will use this trip to soak in the city and then use it for motivation when I return.

I will also be heading to Fenway Park for the first time. Having grown up in a modest middle-class family opportunities like this were never available. To me, Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium and Wrigley Field were untouchable, mythical places that existed only on television and in my mind. Don't get me wrong, many kids had it way worse off than us, but my life revolved around Johnstown and chances to go places and see the country was not something I ever aspired to do because it just wasn't going to happen.

As I've grown older I have been fortunate and lucky in some respect. I am forever grateful for being chosen to take this particular trip. I will go with the intention of learning as much as I can to bring it back and use it in my job. But I cannot lose sight of the other opportunities that come with it. To see the places that Babe Ruth and Ted Williams and Carlton Fisk roamed and to run along the Charles River and if I'm lucky; take a jaunt up heartbreak hill. And then to bring those experiences home with me will be priceless.

When I finished the Flying Pig Marathon on May 6 and then had a few days to absorb what I had done, I recall thinking, "Boston, I am a comin'". I meant that I was ever so close to a qualifying time. I still mean that, but I am also comin' this weekend and I will use you to finalize my fall marathon plans. If you've read this and followed along, I hate to put off the announcement yet again, but I think I'll let Boston tell me where I should go to qualify for her. So Boston, "I am a comin' with my eyes and ears open. Tell me. Tell me where to go."

Letting Go Before Moving On

I read somewhere once that you have to let go of the past before you can move on. I'm pretty big on things like this, and on Sunday I experienced this first hand.

As I prepared for my longest run since the marathon (just 5 miles), I was getting ready to start out my back alley like I've done hundreds of times. In the four weeks since Cincinnati, I have not kept time on my stopwatch because I didn't want to delete my mile splits from the marathon. I'm not exactly sure why but I couldn't bring myself to deleting it and in effect, "let go of Cincy".

But since I have posted on here several times since May 6 that I would be announcing my next marathon, I figured that if I cleansed myself of Cincinnati and moved onward it might make it easier for me to commit for the next race.

So reluctantly I brought up my mile splits on my watch and hit the reset button. 0:00:00. I felt a rush of adrenaline and then put one foot in front of the other and pushed off on another training run.

Where will that and future runs lead me? I've thought about several and have put a lot of thought into it. But I've narrowed the possibilities to one of two races.

It's either going to be Philadelphia, PA on November 18 or Akron, OH on September 29. I've also considered the local Johnstown Marathon but I guess what I'm waiting for is to decide if a fall marathon is exactly what I want to do. Letting go of Cincinnati was tough. I'd like to sleep on "no plans" for a few more days.

The Next Step

Coming back from injury is always tough. This one has been a little tougher because of the long layoff I had to endure between runs. There is always a bit of a hangover anyway when it comes to the weeks after a marathon, but coupled with doing a lot more sitting around and wondering when and if you'll run again makes it that much tougher.

Ideas of doing another marathon have flashed through my head since I returned to running. I have narrowed it down to two possible races. They are both in the fall. I am still watching and waiting to decide what it is I want to do, but I am close to making my mind up. One of them is run in September, so if I am to run that one, I must make up my mind in the next week because training will begin again.

I am craving the discipline and the structure of training. Running "whatever" miles is o.k., but it leaves too much to chance. "I was gonna do 6 miles today, but it's too warm out, so I'll do 5 instead." That kind of thinking is not done when you've got a structured plan in front of you.

Speaking of warm. It has been warm and summer is basically here. With the difficult winter, it is nice to have, but it's almost too warm. I look to make my next marathon announcement by week's end.

Next race: Saturday, June 9. Daily American 10k.

A Day of Remembrance

Memorial Day. A day to remember the lives lost of those who fought to preserve the freedoms we all take for granted.

Since this is a running blog, I took a break today to think about those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and I am thankful. For it is those men and women who allow me and others like me the freedom to run when and where I want to.

As I ran yesterday (3 miles by the way), I thought of places in this world where a 3 mile run would be dangerous and where I would be taking my life into my own hands. But I live in a nice neighborhood and I have the ability to roam at will.

Thank you to all the men and women who gave so much for so many. I for one, do not take it for granted. Today is a day of thanks. And a day to remember. Memorial Day.

DIS and EN...It's a Start

DIScouraged. I would be lying if I said I wasn't. It's been 18 days since the marathon and I have jogged a 5k, and jogged 1 1/2 miles. My ankle has been slow to heal (by my standards), and I'm nowhere near ready at this point for my next scheduled race. That would be the Daily American 10k in Somerset on June 9. Two weeks from this Saturday.

I'm also DIScouraged while being ENcouraged at the same time. Today I ran 2 miles!! Nothing by my standards, but considering I was limping doing the 1 1/2 on Sunday, progress is still progress, right? I'm a tiny bit sore, but I was able to run with my own gait and not limp at all.

But back to DIScouragement. Those 2 miles were horrible. I am starting over again. I doubt I'll be completely ready for that 10k. I doubt it will take long for my wind to return, but after nearly collapsing into my driveway this morning, I have reasons to be both EN and DIS. Hopefully before long I'll be able to say that I'm only EN.

It feels great to be running again.

The Good, Bad and Ugly

The Good:
I don't think my ankle has a hairline fracture. After self-treating and avoiding running for the best part of the last two weeks, it appears that it is working. I am walking up and down stairs again and despite my unbelievable impatience I have been biking on the stationary and doing what I can to stay active while I continue to wait.

The Bad:
After seeing the Physician's Assistant this morning, I am on a different anti-inflammatory. Apparently over-the-counter medications can help, but are not as effective as stronger prescription strength anti-inflammatoy drugs. I have a hard time believing that myself, but who knows?

The Ugly:
Today's appointment was nothing short of a travesty. I self-treat and basically self-diagnose myself and patiently await my opportunity to get in and see a medical professional. When I finally get in and am asked what the problem seems to be, I tell my story. Fully expecting a "thorough" examination with a possibility of x-rays to rule out a stress fracture, what I ended up getting was a short exam over my sock and without ever taking my shoes off. The entire time spent in the lobby was three times as long as the actual time spent in the examination room. What I did get was a prescription for an anti-inflammatory that is typically used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and a follow-up appointment in 4 weeks. I was also told to take off from running for two more weeks.

Inevitably, I was never told that it was or was not tendinitis. I was also not told it wasn't broken. I wasn't told anything. So I leave with the same questions I had going into the appointment.

I have improved greatly and despite attempting to run yesterday (got a mile and a half in of light jogging), I realize that I could use a few more days off. In addition, I believe that in another couple of days I'll be fine. As I write this tonight (Monday, 5/21) I am at about 95%. Nearly pain free and experiencing none of the symptoms that had me truly worried just one week ago.

Lesson learned: Take control of your own treatment, especially in the doctor-deprived state of Pennsylvania.

NOTE: I did file a formal complaint with the office manager and was given the chance to go back free of charge and see the actual Doctor this coming Wednesday. I'm probably going to take the appointment even though I don't think I need it or that it will help at all. What's right is right though. I would rather hear my diagnosis from a true professional.

Better But Still Waiting

I swim. I bike. I rest. I whirlpool. I take Aleve now.

Playing a Waiting Game

Ok, so I ran a 5k race with a friend and for breast cancer research this past Sunday. It wasn't the wisest of things to do, but I don't really think I did any further damage to what I believe is an issue with my posterior tibialis tendon on my right ankle.

So, let's review. I ran the marathon on Sunday, May 6 after a week off due to a painful piriformis muscle. Then, on Wednesday May 9 I ran about 1/4 mile with our new greyhound up the hill in front of my house. I had noticed and knew my ankle was sore, but it wasn't awful.

I continued to struggle with it and was fearful I wouldn't be able to run the 5k that I had committed to a few months ago. When my friend Mike guaranteed me that he was around a 29-30 minute finish, I figured "no big deal". As it turns out, that's what it was for the most part.

But then Monday morning I decided to take some time off and schedule an appointment. I've got my appointment on Monday next week and in the interim I'm following my own strict guidelines of NO RUNNING. It's painful (well, not necessarily the ankle as much anymore, but not getting out on the roads). I knew I would struggle, and I am. It's like a drug problem. My high comes from running. But looking at the bigger picture I suppose I need this short rehab session. Well, at least I hope it's short. I suppose I'm also going to have to come back slowly when that time comes. Yet another challenge.

In the meantime, I'll pray for good news on Monday.

It Comes With the Territory

I have been blessed since I started running. I began my running quest back in 2002. In five years of running and training and racing, I have experienced a lot of the things that runners typically go through. The first race. The first 10k, the first marathon. But I've also experienced some of the mistakes and issues that runners experience as well. I remember my first bout of "tendinitis". This lovely term can be used for any part of your body where tendons are located and that can be injured as a result of over training or stupidity as I like to call it.

I remember having Achilles tendinitis. I had a wicked bout with that and then a bout with plantar fasciatis. I remember my first back issues, and as I've documented so well here my piriformis issues.

Amazingly I was able to get to the starting line last Sunday and amazingly got through the marathon. All the while setting a new PR by over thirteen minutes. I wrote about a slight calf cramp that came on twice during the race. What I didn't write about was the cramp that came on as I was walking back to the hotel afterwards. As the week has gone on; post-marathon, I wonder if it was a cramp. I wonder now if it was a tendon again. I have had issues with my right ankle (on the inside) and now 7 days later, I am battling issues with it.

For now, my running has stopped. I don't know when I can start again. And as is my usual rule, I will call tomorrow and try to arrange an appointment with the Doc for as soon as I can get in. I want to start running again, but I'd prefer to keep walking pain free. What do I think it is? Tendinitis, stress fracture. Those are my two thoughts. Obviously, the tendinitis would be nice. Ahhh, the wonders of running. I suppose this IS part of it. Now I will try to recoup and get back on the roads as soon as I can. In the meantime, it's biking and swimming. Anything but sitting around. I'm going nuts here.

Too Hard on Myself (a fresh perspective)

I made no secrets. I went to Cincinnati to qualify for Boston. One week before Cincinnati I started to have severe piriformis pain in my hip and lower back. I didn't run a single mile in the six days prior to the marathon. I loaded up on Motrin and whirlpooled and iced and heated and iced and heated and whirlpooled and loaded up on Motrin.

I said goodbye to our dog, Mesa, 4 days before the race. He had to be put to sleep (rest his soul). I wondered if I had plenty of reasons NOT to run this race. I drove 5 1/2 hours to Cincinnati on Friday. I woke up Sunday morning and ran the race. I worried about my hip, that amazingly had gotten just well enough for me to run. I panicked when my right calf began to cramp slightly in the middle of mile 5. I worried some more. I panicked when my slight calf cramp reappeared somewhere during mile 13. I still believed I could qualify for Boston. I ran with the 3:20 pace group for 21 miles. I was withing striking distance of qualifying until mile 22. I didn't hydrate properly throughout the race and bonked during mile 22. I said goodbye to Boston. Still, I realized that a PR was not only a possibility, it was a sheer certainty. I could have walked to a PR. I did walk (about 150 yards or so). I got angry with myself. I reached down and gathered what I could to battle through and ran (jogged) those last four horrific and miserable miles. Inevitably I did finish. I was disappointed. I felt bad for myself. I knew I hadn't run the smartest race, yet I gave it my very best shot to qualify. I knew I would have run smarter if not for the attempt to qualify. I thought I was ready. I don't make any excuses. I did not qualify for Boston.

What did I do? I chopped over 13 1/2 minutes off my previous personal record (PR). I finished 315th of a possible 4,732 runners overall. I finished 58th out of 378 people in my age group. I ran my 3rd marathon in less than 365 calendar days. I got faster for the second time. I persevered. I conquered what I thought I might not be able to conquer less than 2 days earlier. I toed the starting line. I ran 26.2 miles. I crossed the finish line. I learned a lot.

I learned that Boston is now just 10:09 away. I learned that under the worst possible circumstances I can do it. I learned that the mind is a very powerful thing. I learned that not every day is a good day, but even bad days can be good days. I learned that every race, every marathon is different in it's own unique way. I learned that every day should be a blessing. I learned that I love what marathons bring out in me. I learned once again that running a marathon is tough. Running a marathon is humbling. Running a marathon is a lot of things planned for, and a lot more things unplanned for.

I learned. I ran. I finished.

Worried for Nothing?

Hard to say. All I know is that I got through it; somehow, someway and today I'm exhausted. It was a tough week last week. The 6 hour drive home today and no internet access from my hotel did not allow me to blog over the weekend, so I must catch you; the reader up. But I think I'll wait until tomorrow. I am much too tired and not thinking clearly enough today to post all that I want to post.

But in case you were wondering. Boston qualifying time? 3:15:59 or better. My finish time yesterday? 3:26:08. I hate to give away one of my future post headings, but here it goes.....Boston, I Am a Comin'.

Uh, oh!

Sixteen weeks. Minimal problems. Few sore muscles. Couple of bad days running. Minor stuff. Until Sunday.

As I made my final preparation and headed into my final week of preparation, a pain entered into the equation that I've had before. I had it the day after my first marathon. I've had it occasionally since then, but nothing like this. Nothing this bad and nothing that hung around this long.

Piriformis. I've heard about it. Read about it, and even experienced pain in it before this week, but the concern is real this time. It's hung around at varying degrees since Sunday and it's now Thursday. I've got three days to figure this out.

I've tried my 1800 mg of Rx Motrin. Icy Hot. Whirlpools. Ice. Massage. Nothing.

I've got real concerns. Sometimes I even wonder if I'll be able to get to the starting line. There is no way I'm not making it to Cincinnati. But a part of me wonders what kind of shape I'll be in come Sunday morning (less than 72 hours from now). And worse yet. What condition will I be in on Sunday night or Monday morning?

In an earlier post I talked about all the things that can go wrong and wipe out all the preparation and training. I am concerned. Very concerned......

To Run A Marathon

To run a marathon, all you need is the will, the desire and the right preparation. In the end, if you do all those things, you can finish a marathon.

In Cleveland, I ran a marathon. I finished a marathon. In Baltimore, I ran another marathon. I finished another marathon. Going in relaxed with no expectations and just the right conditions gave me an extra boost that helped me to improve how quickly I ran that second marathon.

In less than a week I'm going to Cincinnati. I've done this before, right? Wrong. I've never 'raced' a marathon. And to qualify for Boston, I'm going to have to race this marathon. That is a huge difference. No matter what, I expect pain; lots of pain. It's inevitable. But will it be worse? Will it onset earlier? That's my expectation. And what if it comes on around mile 19 or 20? I've never hit the wall before. Perhaps it is because I've never actually raced a marathon before. It's like I've never done this before. It is different. But I'm going in with my eyes wide open and like the two times before, I am scared and don't know what to expect. This time it is for different reasons. I suppose if I run into trouble, I can always slow to a walk if necessary and still come across in decent time. I have the 30k to help me realize how close I am. But then, 18.6 miles leaves an uncertain 7.6 miles to go. Lots can happen in that period of time. A lot. Will it be great? I hope so.

3:15:59 or better. If I can do this, it will be the single greatest accomplishment in my life to this point. Realizing just how close I am almost brings me to tears. I can only imagine what it will feel like for real.

Countdowns to Raceday (Part II)

In follow up to part I, which ranked my top 10 runs of all-time (race and nonrace) I thought I'd rank my top 10 races of all-time.

Before doing so, here are some statistics, relevant or otherwise.

Total # of races run - 47
Total # of 2.3 milers - 1
Total # of 5k's - 21
Total # of 10k's - 14
Total # of 15k's - 1
Total # of Half Marathons - 1
Total # of 30k's - 1
Total # of Marathons - 2
Total # of 5 milers - 6
First race - July 6, 2002 (Whalley Memorial Run - 5 miler)

And now, like David Letterman; Top 10 Races of All Time:

#10 October 8, 2005 (Alpha Delta 5k - Bethany Beach, DE)
Torrential rain and wind while we were at Dewey Beach, DE for the gathering of the greyhounds. I finished 1st in my age group, but to this day, perhaps the worst weather I've run in. At least it was warm or it could have been worse. (time: 20:43)

#9 June 18, 2004 (Rockwood Rotary Half Marathon - Rockwood, PA) - current Half Marathon PR
An evening half marathon run on a stretch of the Allegheny Trail. It was in the 80's and humid. I ran it like a 5k; very fast and this might have been the closest I've ever come to collapsing at the end of a race. (time: 1:42:47)

#8 July 5, 2003 (Whalley Memorial 5 Miler - Windber, PA)
The first time I've repeated a race, therefore, the first time I could have comparable times. Last year I did this as my first race ever, finishing in 39:21. Much improvement over one year. (time: 36:40)

#7 July 2, 2004 (Rolling Rock 5 Mile Run - Latrobe, PA)
First time I had run this race. A difficult and hilly course. The town really gets behind this event as part of their 4th of July celebration. Plenty of crowd support. It was also very warm and humid; another evening race. I tend to like those. (time: 36:25)

#6 July 6, 2002 (Whalley Memorial 5-miler - Windber, PA)
My first race ever. This is where it all started. A run I'll never forget. (time: 39:21)

#5 May 24, 2003 (Come Run in the Sun 10k - Las Vegas, NV)
Our final day of a weeklong vacation in Las Vegas. Despite an 8:00 a.m. start, the temps. were in the low-80's. Amazing that this was basically a 5k uphill and then turnaround for a 5k downhill. Might be one of the toughest 10k courses I've ever run. Las Vegas is also at 3,000 above sea level. Took 3rd in my age group. (time: 49:27)

#4 September 25, 2005 (The Great Race 10k - Pittsburgh, PA)
At the time, I had set a PR by 0:06 seconds over the previous PR nearly two years earlier. A hot day, but a perfect run at a perfect pace. (time: 43:39)

#3 November 7, 2004 (Flight 93 Memorial 15k - Shanksville, PA)
Perhaps one of the most touching runs I've ever been on. The course goes past the crash site. Despite living within a half hour, I had never been to the site before this day. I was very moved by what I was taking part in. (time: 1:18:41) - current 15k PR

#2 May 21, 2006 (Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon - Cleveland, OH)
Having never done it before, the entire marathon experience was something to behold. Calf pain in both legs the night before introduced me to ghost pain and going through the entire thing (expo, race, post-race) was something I'll never forget. (time: 4:02:02)

#1 October 14, 2006 (Under Armour Baltimore Marathon - Baltimore, MD)
A perfect weather day and zero expectations made this one of the most shocking and enjoyable runs of my life so far. This race made me realize that Boston is possible. A great day! (time: 3:39:37) Current Marathon PR

Planning for the Unexpected

It never seems to fail. Something unexpected always seems to happen in the weeks and days leading up to the 'big race'. In Cleveland, it was horrific calf pain just 2 days before (the night before and morning of, I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to run 2 miles, let alone 26.2).

A week ago, as I was taking my left contact out, I felt a sharp stinging pain that I described as "sand in my eye". After about 4 days of wearing my glasses and running in them I decided to head to the eye doctor.

Turns out I pulled a piece of my cornea off my eye that night. Another week in glasses and an antibiotic and hopefully I can wear contacts again. I cannot envision running a marathon with glasses on. I've talked about "running blind" or running with only one contact. Anything but glasses the entire time.

My follow-up is 4 days before the marathon. I can only hope that it heals in time. For the first time I'm heading into a big one with few aches and pains and few concerns about my lower body. Now, the eyes have it. If it ain't one thing, it's another.

Fun With Statistics

Perhaps I've found another way to help pass the time. I already plan on posting the top 10 races of all time that I've run. But before I disclose those, I thought it would be interesting to provide some statistics that I find simply mind-boggling at times.

As I complete my training for the Flying Pig over the next two weeks, I will have run 434.7 miles in training; including the marathon. That is more than 50 miles greater than either of the first two.

So as my mind looks for things to keep me busy, I wondered where those miles could take me.

Here are some approximate distances from my hometown of Johnstown, PA to:

Pittsburgh, PA - 65.4 miles (6 trips back and forth)
Philadelphia, PA - 203.4 miles (2 trips)
Baltimore, MD - 142.7 miles (almost 3)
Cleveland, OH - 168.8 miles (2 1/2)
Indianapolis, IN - 382.3 miles (once with change)
Chicago, IL - 464.3 miles (almost....)

But perhaps in a turn of karma, and something I'll use to assist my mental state leading up to this marathon is this tiny little fact (and I swear I didn't try to do this).

Johnstown, PA to Boston, MA........ 432.6 miles. Did you just get chills? I did.

A Picture of Irritability

Ask my wife. She'll tell you. I'm irritable. Everything seems to bother me. Perhaps the pressure is getting to me. Maybe it's that I'm not running as much. Whatever the reason, I have slipped into this funk of irritate that I cannot describe.

There is no doubt that since my taper started, I have gotten edgy. I don't remember being like this the first few times around, but I am certain that the two are related.

Saturday morning, as I was complaining about something stupid (I'm sure, but I can't remember), she told me to "go run it off". That's when I realized that perhaps I haven't been myself. I don't know why I'm stressing. That's a lie. I want so badly to qualify for Boston and I wonder if I've done enough. Have I trained hard enough? Am I ready? Will this extra taper week help me or inevitably be my downfall?

It's hard to answer those questions, because there is only one way to find out. I hope I can contain this irritation for a few more days. By then, I hope that anticipation and excitement will replace their ugly cousin. I'm even irritating myself. I didn't realize that I was also tapering my tolerance......

Tick Tock Taper....

The final two weeks. Incredible. Much like the event I'm taking part in on May 6, the training itself is a marathon of sorts. I began my journey for the third time on January 7 and it will culminate in Cincinnati in just 16 days.

The same questions and conerns are with me that were with me the first two times. But as a "veteran" (I still have to laugh about that one) of marathon running I have a history that I can draw upon. I know what to expect. Does that make it better? In some ways, yes. In other ways, no. Sometimes not knowing what to expect helps to make the journey seem a little more exciting.

Ghost pains are already starting. I've settled on an extra week of tapering. The first two times I used 3 weeks to get ready. This time, I'm using 4. This weekend I'll do my final speed workout just to keep my mind strong and focused.

The final two weeks are hell. There is anticipation, excitement, worry and father time seems to slow to a snail pace. But I am focused. Focused on one task. One number. One goal. Like a child in the backseat I will ask myself repeatedly, "am I there yet?"

Countdowns to Raceday

With just over two weeks to go and my heavy and difficult running nearly behind me, I've done some thinking about the best runs I've ever had. With all of the runs I've done over the past five-plus years, it is amazing to me that certain training runs stand out to me nearly as much as certain races do. I could easily rank my top ten races of all time, and I think I'll do that next week in the days leading up to the marathon. But today, I rank my top ten runs of all time.

I based these on a number of different factors, including memorable events that happened during the run (i.e., weather, confrontations with wildlife, or just a general good feeling). A brief description of why it was so memorable follows. And in David Letterman fashion, we start with 10 and work up to the #1 run of all time (race and non-race):

#10 September 16, 2006
19.5 mile run with my neighbor, Ron Mock. To this day, it is the only training run I have ever gone on with another person. I'm a solo runner, and like it that way. Although, it was a nice change and something I needed at the time to prepare for my 2nd marathon in Baltimore.

#9 March 9, 2007
5.25 miles on my home treadmill. I did seven half mile splits and progressively got faster each time. At the time, it was a near perfect Yasso 800 workout.

#8 July 6, 2002
How can I leave out my first race ever. Whalley Memorial 5 miler. I completed the course in 39:21. I look at that as a slow time now, but then I broke 40 minutes and was ecstatic.

#7 February 15, 2007
7 mile training run at 6:00 a.m. The temperature was 2 degrees with a minus-18 degree wind chill. Still the coldest day I have ever run in.

#6 February 16, 2006
6 mile training run. I ran around "the mound" in Westmont by the Johnstown Inclined Plane. Two deer were on the hill that I hadn't noticed until I was next to them. They stood very still and I could only see their shadow in front of a full moon. One of the most unbelievable things I have seen while running.

#5 March 30, 2006
8 mile training run. I had refereed two games in a National Tournament in Pittsburgh and drove home to get this run in during the evening. Despite being tired and high humidity, I felt great when I got done. One of the best night's of sleep in my life.

#4 February 23, 2006
6 mile training run. I ran head on into a skunk. We startled each other silly and carefully went around one another and went on our respective ways. Wonder what ever happened to that guy!

#3 April 30, 2006
First 20 mile run ever. High pollen gave me a hacking cough the final two miles, but two things came of that day. I knew I could run a marathon after that, and I woke up the next day with no leg soreness at all.

#2 May 21, 2006
First marathon ever: Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon. Cleveland, OH. The entire experience was amazing, especially the finishing stretch. Wanted to break 4 hours, but came across the finish line in 4:02:02.

#1 October 14, 2006
Under Armour Baltimore Marathon. Baltimore, MD. With only 11 weeks of training, it was the ultimate test of my ability. A perfect weather day that started around 38 degrees and finished around 53. Beautiful sunshine and shortly after beginning I realized I was going to shatter the time I set 5 months earlier. Finished in 3:39:37. Gave me the idea that I could actually qualify for Boston.

Next week....Top 10 Races of All Time.

Changing Priorities

It is amazing how quickly things can change. As I sit here lamenting about my final double digit run of training before the marathon; which is now just three short weeks away, I can't help but think of a thought I had earlier this week.

One year ago this week I was in the midst of training for my first marathon. I had no idea what to expect, and like all first-timers my priority and my overall goal was to get through it. Finish. Build up to where I was able to just simply cover the distance. Get it done, get that medal and be able to say, "yes, I've run a marathon".

Throughout that race, my priorities changed to, "maybe I can get this in under 4 hours". I got close, but finished in 4:02:02. Still, I immediately began making plans for marathon #2. As I trained for and eventually completed that second marathon in Baltimore, my priorities again changed. A surprising 3:39:37 finish had me thinking "Boston".

Now as I lament, and wonder the possibilities and see where I am a year later I realize that I am close. Boston is a distinct possibility. So close that the thought of "almost" qualifying haunts me. And although I will be disappointed if I don't do it, I can't help but laugh at myself. 350 days later and instead of "just finishing" I've added the pressure of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Something that was unthinkable last year.

This makes me wonder where I'll be and what I'll be doing next year at this time. Laugh and the world laughs with you.....

A Matter of Perspective

I'm an active person by nature. So it's no surprise that I thrive with the rugged schedule that marathon training can create. Running is also a monotonous activity that needs to be kept fresh with different types of running. When training for a marathon over 16 or 17 weeks it can get tough mentally as I've made fairly clear in previous posts here.

In addition to running, I do quite a lot of other things. I am an adjunct instructor for several colleges and this spring I am teaching the equivalent of 10 credits, while maintaining my normal work schedule, marathon training and refereeing (which is thankfully over).

I've been teaching for 6 years, and after class Wednesday something happened to me that has never happened before. One of my female students waited to speak with me and disclosed to me that the reason she hasn't been in class the last couple of weeks is because she has cancer. It seems to me that her odds of beating this disease are good, but that doesn't make it seem easier.

Here is a 22 year old young woman, living on her own and she is concerned with telling me why she has been absent lately. I felt bad and happy for her at the same time. The fact that she is so concerned with finishing school and keeping up on her studies in light of facing a life threatening illness speaks volumes for this young woman. I drove home sad and wondering where justice is in something like that. And it made me realize just how precious life can be.

As my mileage reaches its pinnacle this week and my body is broken down, I find strength when I think of this courageous young woman. After all, life is something that should be celebrated. And come May 6 when I slip across that finish line, I will celebrate; Boston qualified or not.

A Runners Mind Game

With my 7:36/mile pace last Saturday, I am encouraged to be just :07 seconds off the pace I will need to maintain to qualify for the Boston Marathon. With just five short weeks to go, I know that it will be too close to call.

There are so many things that non-runners do not realize. As a lifelong athlete I have played or participated in many sports. The biggest difference with my new passion is the time and preparation and how it could all be for naught if the weather does not cooperate. Come down with a cold or the flu? You can still play most sports effectively, but running a marathon? Forget it.

As I make the final push for Cincinnati, the same thoughts enter my head that have entered it before Cleveland and before Baltimore.

• Be careful.
• You’ve got to watch where you are running in the dim light of the morning.
• Take care of your body.
• Pay close attention to what it is telling you.
• Eat the right foods.
• Don’t eat the wrong foods.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Concentrate.

With a Boston Qualifying time on the line, these things become magnified. I pray for the right weather. I hope for the exact formula of rest and 100% muscle recovery and maximum performance on just the right day. Perhaps this has become too technical. For now, I still enjoy the game and the mental preparedness that is necessary, but I see how this could wear you down at some point.

For now, I plod onward with a clear direction and a clear understanding of what is necessary. I am scared. I am confident. I am running.