"By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail"

5.5 easy miles at lunch w/ Darin.   

50F, Sunny, N10

AP: 8:50                                                                        

My first 10-miler in I don't know how long. Everything felt good. I'm running the Houston Half Marathon this weekend. I think I should be able to add another 3.1 miles and finish. It won't be fast, but that's what I get for signing up for races months in advance.

AP: 8:20

50F, N8

I took my oldest boy to karate class (which I was taking up until I hurt my knee), then I went to the track and ran in the dark. The weather was damp, but about 55, so it was actually quite pleasant for this time of year. There was 1 light on, so I could almost see where I was going.

Ran 4 easy miles (8:20ish), then through in a fast 800 (3:20), 400 (1:35). Then a cool down to get to 6 miles total. It wasn't much of a workout, but for my recent shape, it was awesome.

I think I've missed the joy of running, trying to do other sports, but I think it comes down to the fact that I like how individual running is -- you can have as much fun running alone (with God and nature), as you can have with a crowd of 20,000.

Sunday's Houston Half Marathon will be a good test of my current level of fitness. My goal is to finish with minimal walking. Don't expect any PRs, this is a long training run with a medal at the end!

I volunteered at the Bold in the Cold 15K this year. I was the lead bike for the 15K race. This was the warmest Bold in the Cold I have ever been to. I think it was about 65F at the 8:00AM start. 

As I was running the Houston Half Marathon the next day, I didn't really want to race this event this year, so volunteering was perfect. I knew the course, as I had run it several times in the past. I had no problems staying ahead of the leaders. The winner ran it in about 50:30 (5:20ish) pace. The temp was perfect for me..a little warm for the runners. :)

As I rode 9.3 miles, I'll give myself running credit for half of that distance.

After my twisted knee in November, my running has been slowly ramping up. Last Saturday I ran 10 miles - that was my longest run since last February's Cowtown Marathon. My running has been very lacking. I had signed up for the Houston Half months in advance - and my buddies were going down there to run the full, so I decided to join them.

Drove the 260 miles after the Bold in the Cold race was over on Saturday. Stayed at the Hilton Americas. My buddy, John got us a great deal on the room. This where all the elites stay, it is attached to the Conference Center which is the site of the start/finish lines. There were even walkways connecting the two buildings. Very nice - no driving, no shuttles, no drop bags on race morning. Definitely the place to stay if you run Houston.

I signed up for the BEEF Team In Preparation team this year. They take applicants each year to represent the Tx Beef industry, in exchange for a free shirt -- and after the first year, partial reimbursements for event entries. There are some qualifications on how many races you need to run in a year, and even are required to volunteer once. I eat beef, especially lean beef, and I run (ran) lots of races, so I had no problem representing them. So, Saturday night there was a BEEF TIP dinner -- free to members. So, that's where we at (John is also a member). A woman spoke at the dinner who just set the women's world record of 17 marathons in 17 days (I'm sure there are women on this blog that could match or better that!!)

Woke up Sunday morning around 5:00 for the 7:00AM start. John and Dave were running the full, so I let them have priority on the bathroom, etc.. I didn't even get out of bed until after they left the room at 6:00. I was in no hurry. The weather was not ideal. 45F, 20MPH N wind, with scattered storms. I really thought about staying in bed for this. But, I needed to run for the BEEF Team, and my own confidence.

The race started promptly at 7:00AM in the pouring rain. I left the dryness of the Convention Center at 6:58 - and crossed the start line at the rear of the crowds at about 7:25. For the first mile, as the rain pounded my face, I thought about turning around and going back to bed.. but I ran/jogged the whole thing. My heart rate was much higher than normal (for me), as it reflected my poor training (PPPPPPPP). I kept it easy and muddled through. I tried to keep positive - the rain let up at about half way. I kept my poncho on until the last mile, when I picked up the pace from mid 9:00s to what felt to me to be sub 7:00. I did the 13 mile in 7:55. It was my only mile sub 8:00/mi -- and only the 3rd mile of the race under 9:00/mi. I finished in 2:05:??It was a PW.

I felt fine afterwards, and probably could have run faster, but I was looking at the long-term..and only using this race as a time to spend with friends and ramp up toward the Cowtown marathon next month. It gave me confidence that I needed - to show I can still run long distances post-knee twisting. (I really should get a diagnosis..but it's not holding me back. Only making me a bit slower.)

I was able to go back to my room after I finished, showered, changed and got my camera before John and Dave finished their full marathons.

I'm not listing this under Races because this was only a training run with benefits! :)

I'd highly recommend this marathon to anyone who doesn't mind running on Sundays. Very well run, and if you can stay at the Hilton Americana - very convenient and affordable!

Lunchtime run w/ Darin.

32F, sunny, N10

AP: 8:13

5 miles. Lunchitime w/ Darin.

AP: 8:20

51F, N10, Sunny

AHR: 150 (still high for the pace...it'll come down as my fitness goes up)

My goal was to run/walk (be on my feet) for 3 hours. I didn't want to set a distance goal, as I haven't run over 13.1 miles at a single time in almost a year.

I ran w/ Dave and Darin for the first 7 miles, then picked up a different (slower) group for the next 6 miles, then ran/walked solo for the last 5.

My calves got very tight right at about 14 miles, and felt some knee pain in the rear of the knee (probably partly due to calf tightness, and partly due to my recent bike injury).

I finished 18 miles in about 2:56.

Not a fast run, but accomplished my goal toward getting ready for Cowtown Marathon in about 1 month.

AP: 9:45

Sunny, 45F, 5MPH

Lunchtime run w/ Darin. Started out with a 9:05 first mile, then I picked up the pace.

9:05, 8:12, 7:32, 7:40, 7:29

AHR: 152

40F, W10, Sunny

Felt good. Getting fitter every day!

Morning run w/ Darin before work. Felt a little sluggish. Great morning temperature for this time of year. HR got above 160 a few times, so I slowed until it dropped. Still regaining my fitness.

AHR: 150

AP: 8:12

50F, 5S, clear

Run w/ Darin before work. Finished the entire 5.25 miles without walking, but finished at the same AP as I did on Wednesday, when I walked up some of the hilly sections. HR still high for the pace I'm running. Staying hydrated, still getting fitter. Lost 5 pounds in the last 2 weeks. Moving in the right direction!

Ran w/ Dave for about 8 miles, then he bagged it (he said he was feeling a bit sluggish). I ran the remaining 5 miles with anther group from the local running club. Their pace of 8:30-9:00 was just what I needed. I'm spoiled by the Texas weather!

55F, N5, cloudy

AP: 9:10

2 runs in 2 days! My first back-to-back runs all year! (baby steps)

It was a bit warm, but finished strong.

AP: 8:24

65F, humid, S10

Last mile was 7:21 at HR 161.

I wasn't planning to run today, but the weather was nice, so I went at lunchtime. Ran out into a 23MPH wind. Walked a couple times just to get the HR back under 150. On the way back, it was smooth sailing with the net downhill and nice tailwind.

AP: 9:00 (including the walking)

75F, cloudy, SSW23, 61% hum

Lunchtime run w/ Darin. Started slow, then finished strong. Last 3 miles were all under 8:00.

AP: 8:10

57F, S11, 26% hum, sunny

My first 20 miler since February 2012. Perfect morning for running. 45, light breeze. Took 2 Honey Stingers one at 8 and one at 12. Drank powerade/water every 2 miles or so.

Felt really good at the finish. Feet were a little sore, but not fatigued. Must have been the chicken pot-pie and rice I had for dinner the night before.

AP: 8:30

Lunchtime run w/ Darin. Sunny, 65. A little warm, but finished with the last 3 miles under 7:30/mi.

AP: 8:02

65, Sunny, W8

Morning run w/ Darin.

AP: 7:50

50F, foggy

Morning run w/ Darin.

Was having trouble with HR monitor - HR was reading in the 70s even after 2 mile warmup. At about 2.5 miles, it seemed to register OK. I think I need a new battery. When I stopped to walk, the HR seemed to increase back toward what should have been normal. I'm confused?

40F,  N8, sunny

AP: 8:10

Met John at LGRAW clubhouse at 6:00AM. Put out the Gatorade/Water at the two club's water spots. Then ran 5 miles at 8:30/mi. Then got in the car and drove to Northshore to run trails. I haven't seen the trails since last Fall when we rode them on bikes. Was a nice change of pace (literally). Ran 11 miles at about 11:00/mi pace. I guess it's taper time for Cowtown. 2 weeks until Cowtown - which I hope to finish in under 4:00. We'll see how it goes. My goal race is in April in Boston, where I hope to be at peak fitness.

50F, cloudy, breezy

Went to the track before dinner. Felt good running on cushioned surface. It was 65 degrees.

Ran a few intervals - 800 - 3:10, 400 - 1:32, 200 - :42  -- not my fastest, but felt comfortable.

Ran w/ Darin before work. Walked a little - as Darin's hip was bothering him.

45F, N8, cloudy

AP: 8:40

Lunchtime run w/ Darin. 

45F, Sunny, W5

AP: 7:48/mi

2 mile lunchtime walk. My health plan gives points for each workout. 2 miles puts me above the calorie threshold to be considered a workout - so I didn't feel like changing into running clothes, but I still get credit for a workout. If I get 5 workouts in one week I get 40 bonus points! Woohoo.. points equate to $$ off my premium, and can be traded in for merchandise.

Starting to feel fit again. It's been a long time coming - finally starting to get some of my miles under 8:00/mi. Lunchtime run w/ Darin.

45F, N10, cloudy

8:13, 7:4,7:37, 7:43, 7:17

AP: 7:40

 AHR: 140

6:45 AM run w/ Dave at Lake Grapevine. A little excitement on the run today. A fugitive being transported from Florida to Nevada escaped earlier this week near DFW airport. He was hiding out in the area - and early Saturday morning he was shot and killed near the lake - right at the 3 mile point on our 8 mile loop. The police and news crews had the area blocked off, so we had to take a bit of a detour.

The run felt great. My last longish run until Cowtown Marathon next Sunday.

AP: 8:12

30F, calm, sunny

Lunchtime run. AP 7:50

4.5 miles in my new Saucony's. ($29/pair online - we'll see how cheap shoes do)

I had to go to Ft Worth to pick up Sunday's Marathon packet - as Cowtown has some events on Saturday,too - 5K and 10K, I decided to sign up for the 5K. If you complete 2 races - one on Saturday, and one on Sunday you get a special "Cowtown Challenger Medal".

I was just going to run it easy. With no real goal.

I started near the back, so I couldn't help but go slow for the first mile. I chatted with a few people I knew along the way. Once things spread out a bit, I just ran at a pace that felt good.

I ended up with 22:29 (no where close to what I was, but because I'm returning from a knee injury - I'll take it. I had 2 miles under 7:00/mi - which is faster than I've done in probably a year.

This was my 6th consecutive Cowtown Marathon. As I live close to Ft Worth, I consider this my home course. I always see lots of running friends, and it's quite a weekend. This weekend's weather was nearly perfect (40F, S10-15).

As I'm still on my comeback from a knee injury and overall running "burnout", this was my first run of over 20 miles since last year's Cowtown. As I was not invited back as a pacer, I had no real target for finish time - and no pressure. I just wanted to finish - and I wanted to keep my string of sub-4:00 marathons alive, and hoped to finish around my previous pace group time (3:40).

I started in the second wave, which started about 5 minutes after the first wave. They do this to give the aid stations a chance to restock, and it's actually a pretty good idea. As I powered up my Garmin, I realized I had forgotten my HR monitor in the car. Too late. Going to run by feel today.

I started out a little too fast, and I knew it. At about halfway, I had caught up to the 3:40 pace group - that had started 5 minutes ahead of me - so I was on track for a 3:30 (8:00/mi). I stuck with them for a few miles. Then my feet started hurting too much to hang with them. I wasn't really fatigued, but my feet hadn't gotten used to the pounding - I wore Injinji toe-socks, thinking that would help with my toes rubbing together - but they seemed to be hard on the bottoms of my feet - or could it be the shoes I was wearing had less than 10 miles on them? Possibly. As I didn't have a major goal, and I wasn't too proud to walk a little. I walked/ran the last 7 or 8 miles and finished in 3:39:36. I'll take it.

The weather was perfect. I saw some great friends before, during, and after. I completed the "star" series - which contains 5 medals from the past 5 years - when you put them together they form a nice start. (I will have to post a picture).

This is a very well-run marathon. My only complaint is that the half-marathon finishers tend to make the last mile a little tough, as most of them finishing in more than 3 hours are usually walking in pairs or threes, it's a little tough navigating. I'm sure it is even tougher for the leaders of the marathon. They need to find a way to segregate the half finishers from the marathon/ultra finishers.

Other than that, this is a great marathon, and seems to be getting better each year. Lots of bling, nice shirts, medals, food, beverages, etc... I'll keep coming back

3:39:36

AP: 8:23

Recovery walk at lunchtime

Recovery jog. Calves a little tight.

Lunchtime walk

Lunchtime walk

Mountain bike ride w/ Darin at Northshore. First ride this year. Felt great!

Lunchtime run w/ Darin. Hot/windy. Not good. Walked a little bit. Knees a little sore from yesterday's MTB ride.

80F, 20MPH SW

Lunchtime 5 miler w/ Darin. Felt much better than Monday! Easy 1st 2 miles, low 7:00s for 2nd two, then ran a 3:07 last 1/2 mile. 

AP: 7:46

50F, S5, sunny

Lunchtime 5 miler w/ Darin.

Had two sub-7:00s.

AP: 7:40

55F, S10, cloudy

Only had time for a 10 miler today w/ Dave.

52F, cloudy, N15

AP: 8:15

Went with my family to the track AFTER dinner. Not good to run after dinner. Ran a few laps, walked a few laps, ran a few laps, etc..

Boys are on Springbreak this week. Not sure what to do with them yet.

On vacation today through Friday. Doing lots of work getting the garden ready for planting. Spent afternoon taking my daughter's car in for service, and appliance shopping with my honey. Our 25th anniversary is on  March 19th, so we were going to treat ourselves to a new stove/oven (we're so romantic!)

Ran at the track after dinner again.

Golfed with my boys on Springbreak.

Trail ride at Northshore, then 1.5 mile trail run to go find my buddy, Darin.

3 after dinner miles at the track.

Lunchtime run.

I came in 7th overall, and 1st in Masters Division, on my first trail race. We experienced rain, hail, lightning, sand, mud, and cattle.

I actually led the race for most of the first 8 miles - there was an unmarked left turn early in the race which apparently nobody knew about except me. I was shocked to be in the lead at the first aid station at 4 miles, and even more amazed at mile 7. 6 younger guys passed me in the last 6 miles, but I managed to win the 40 and over category. I think I'd like to run more trail races. They're a lot of fun! (well at least this one was)

I won a small trophy and free entry for next year's race! Whoohoo.

Ran around Alliance Airport at lunch. 45F, sunny, N10-15

AP: 9:11

MTB 13.7 miles, 1:15. Great ride!

(Still in Boston, will write complete trip report along with a link to hundreds of pictures when I get a chance)

 I took it slow. I took my Canon T2i SLR Camera. I took lots of pictures.

I finished about 20 minutes before the explosions. I heard them, but was far enough beyond the finish not to see any of the tragedy.

I looked for Smooth's husband, but never saw him as I turned onto Boylston. I couldn't help but think of how much trama Smooth's son Eric was exposed to working at the Medic tent at the finish line.

It was a wonderful day...until the explosions. My feelings about the marathon, and the thousands of supports are truly of a city united. I truly soaked in the entire event this year - and took lots of pictures of the crowds lining the route.

I finished in 4:05, a PW - my second 4+ hour marathon out of 25. I was glad to finish - I will be even gladder when I get home and hug my wife and kids.

Thank you for your patience over the past 11 days as we have dealt with the aftermath of the tragic events at the Boston Marathon.

As we begin to move forward, one of our first steps is to congratulate official finishers on their individual accomplishments in the 2013 Boston Marathon and to address the issues relating to those who did not have the opportunity to cross the finish line on Boylston Street on April 15.

Many of you know participants in the race who were unable to cross the finish line, and we are working towards a resolution for them. We do not have all of the answers at this time, but we are particularly sensitive to the questions relating to these runners.

In addition to your finish time, we have included your split times below from the 117th Boston Marathon.

5K:	0:24:27
10K:	0:50:48
15K:	1:19:29
20K:	1:46:53
Half:	1:52:49
25K:	2:16:32
30K:	2:46:20
35K:	3:20:24
40K:	3:51:33
FINISH:	4:05:37

You may also wish to view your results online at http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/results-commentary/2013-results-search.aspx or review the top finishers from this year's race at http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/results-commentary/2013-top-finishers.aspx.

Also, we know many of you have individual questions that you have been waiting to ask the B.A.A., including perhaps information relating to the 2014 Boston Marathon. We appreciate you holding these questions during this time. Please know that all questions, answers, situations and issues are receiving careful attention by the B.A.A. and we have been fully engaged in matters relating to participants and also the general public.

The majority of finishers received their medals on race day or in the days following the marathon. We are in the process of reconciling our records to determine if there are official finishers who did not receive a medal. If you did not receive a medal and you are an official finisher, please send an email to registration@baa.org.

This Summer you will receive a Racers' Record Book and an official Finisher's Certificate in the mail. If you notice any inaccuracies with your time listed above, please click here.

Discussions are underway and as we decide on the answers we will communicate our decisions to you. At this time, we must continue to ask for your patience.

We also thank you for your kind messages of support and your demonstrations of resiliency. We look forward to seeing you at a future B.A.A. race.

Sincerely,
The Boston Athletic Association

4 lunchtime miles. 80 degrees. finished with my first sub 7:00 since Boston!

time to start hitting the road/trials.

 soccer season finished up yesterday - so proud of my boys for placing first in our league! I've coached most of these boys for 4 years or more - they are starting to understand the game, and work together. It was a fun season!  

3.5 slow miles with Darin after work.

Finally got a new Garmin. Got the 310XT (smaller than 305 and half the price of the 910XT). It's waterproof and so far, I like it.

Next, I need to see about a new pair of shoes (been rotating the same shoes since Springtime)

An easy solo lunchtime run.

65F, cloudy, E8

Run in the rain at lunch.

Hit the road at lunch. Solo 2 out and 2 back in the cool drizzle. Had 8:15/mi pace at turn around. Finished with a 7:32 and 7:28 -- with HR around 150. Not as bad as I had thought it might be.

AP: 7:56

Lunchtime run w/ Darin. It's been a while since we've run together. We ran together for the first 2 miles at about 9:00/mi, then I ran ahead. Felt a little more sluggish than Monday, but overall did OK.

AP: 8:30

50F, W10, cloudy

Time to lose some weight. Been a slug lately. Jogged 4.5 w/ Darin at lunch.

60F, Sunny

AP: 9:20

Lunchtime run w/ Darin.

75F, sunny

AP: 10:00

Left work early to take advantage of the 75F temps to go Mountain Bike Riding. Rode 14 miles in 1.5 hours. Fun workout!