So the 18-week training cycle leading up to my next marathon begins tomorrow.........and once again, those early doubts start creeping in once again. As I've been dealing with some nasty little PF issues in my right heel, I'm a little concerned when I look ahead to the increase in both the frequency and distance of training runs. I'm not really sure what's brought it on.......although I'm pretty sure the weight I've put on since my last marathon (back in October) is a contributing factor. The weight will come off gradually as I start to train, but any type of pain is always somewhat problematic. Thankfully, the Hanson plan starts off with a few easy weeks before really ramping things up, so I'm going to do everything I can to stretch out my right foot every day.
I've been doing almost all of my runs lately on the dreadmill, and while it's terribly boring, I'd rather run indoors than not at all. When I'm not on a training plan, I can freely admit to be not as motivated as I am when on a plan, so I find myself not so inclined to run outside during the winter. Our winter here in New England has been pretty mild so far, but my hypothyroidism leaves me extra sensitive to cold, particularly in my hands. Given the choice, I tend to choose the indoor route. Some would say that makes me a "wimp"....ok, call me what you want....I hate it when runners denigrate other runners. While our "community" can be tremendously supportive (particularly those who read and write blogs!), there are plenty of those out there who like to look down on others who aren't as fast/skinny/tough as they are. I'm a big man who only started running in my late 40's after deciding to fight my way out of a lifetime of obesity. I'll never be as skinny or as fast as others, but I've run 3 marathons (including the 2012 Boston Marathon), so I'll take anyone on who claims I'm lacking in toughness simply because I choose to occasionally run indoors on a day when others would run outdoors. "Judge not, lest ye be judged"......
I'm hoping to PR in May, so I've got a long, hard road ahead of me. This training program is more qualitative than quantitative in nature, and that's going to be a big change from the way I've trained previously. Adding in speedwork......OMG, I'm going to be doing SPEEDWORK? Of course, you'll be able to time my repeats with a sundial, but you'd better believe I'll be doing them!
All that said, NOW I'll have every reason I need to blog regularly.....as the schedule kicks in, I know I'll be having LOTS to share. I've been saying for a long time that I've been needing to start blogging again, so FINALLY, I think I can put that all to rest.
The schedule begins tomorrow........the end point is on May 26th in Burlington, Vermont.
Wish me luck........and I'll see you all down the road!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Monday, December 31, 2012
Are annual recaps required?
Based on all the blogs I follow, it would seem that a year-end review is, if not required, expected. Why is that? Is it because, as runners, we're all measured by numbers.......miles run.......placement in races.......PR's.....etc.? Is it because we all keep track of our progress via written logs, spreadsheets, Daily Mile, Runkeeper, Running Ahead, Strava, Map My Run, etc....? Is it because we all sit at our keyboards on December 31st and simultaneously look backwards AND forwards?
Maybe it's all of those combined.....or maybe it's just human nature to compare projections/resolutions/goals/delusional rantings against actual results and try to make sense of it all.
So now I sit here........looking both backwards and forwards.
Looking back, 2012 was an unqualified success for me. Even though I only "raced" 7 times, each experience was a positive one. I ran 2 5k's (including one in Portland, OR while there on "business"), 3 half-marathons, and 2 marathons. The marathons were particularly important to me, as both were uniquely successful ventures. In April, I toed the line in Hopkinton, MA to run the 116th Boston Marathon. On that RIDICULOUSLY hot day, anyone who ran has a remarkable story to tell, but as a charity runner, I raised nearly $5000 for the Melanoma Foundation of New England, so even though I suffered, I had lots of motivation to continue. I'll never forget the feeling of making the left turn off Hereford onto Boylston and seeing the finish line in the distance....the crowd cheering even after 5 hours......I may never run Boston again, but on that day, I was a ROCK STAR!!
In October, I ran the ING Hartford Marathon and got a 7-minute PR. Even though I came out of that marathon a little dinged-up (as my decreased mileage the remainder of the year would indicate), it still felt great to drop my marathon time. While a 4:51 might be pedestrian to most of you, it showed me that I can improve, and gave me a lot of hope for what I'm going to shoot for in 2013.
When I look back on my year-end post last year, there really weren't any "goals" there.....just a hope for another good year.....no injuries......no sickness.......nothing too specific. I think I'll continue that trend now. While I had hoped to hit 1200 miles in 2012, I came up short......ending the year at 1088. I still managed to learn more about myself, both in my ability to persevere (Boston), my ability to learn from a bad race (Jamestown Half-Marathon), and my ability to improve (Hartford). As I now look ahead to 2013, I hope to continue all of those positive trends.
2013 "goals":
Races: Only have registered for 3 races so far, but I'm sure there will be more....several 5K's and 10K's sprinkled in......maybe another half marathon or two........I'm pretty sure there's going to be a fall marathon (either Marine Corps or Philadelphia), but here's what definite as of today:
January 1st: 4th Annual First Run 10K - Lowell, MA
March 17th: 36th Annual New Bedford Half Marathon - New Bedford, MA
May 26th: 25th Annual Keybank Vermont City Marathon - Burlington, VT
Tomorrow's race should be fun, as we're still cleaning up from the snow we got overnight Saturday. We had no real snow at all last winter (which made training for Boston SO MUCH FUN!!), so this was the first time I'd had to shovel since 2011....with nearly a foot of snow on the ground, it was hard work, and my back is still a little stiff, but I should be good to go tomorrow morning. I last ran New Bedford in 2009 (2:04), so I'm familiar with the course and will be interested to see how I'll do. Finally, I'm really looking forward to running the VCM in May......Barb has already booked our hotel room and friends who've run it in the past tell me I'm going to love it. I'm going to start training for it at the end of January and will be trying a new training program:
I saw the book a while ago, but after getting it for Hanukkah, I've hardly put it down. The Hanson's lay out a pretty logical plan (works for me!), with more of an emphasis on quality of training, rather than sheer quantity of miles. It incorporates things I've only read/heard about previously.....like something called "speedwork"....."tempo runs"........."strength runs" (ok, I'd honestly never heard of "strength runs" before, but speedwork and tempo runs.....yeah, I've avoided those in the past!)......their plan calls for a long run topping out at 16 miles, instead of the "normal" 20......anyway, it's a great book, and a very interesting plan. I'm going to be trying it out for the VCM and, if it works, I'll probably do it again for the fall marathon. Stay tuned for results!!!!
Mileage: That's simple.......I'm going to shoot for 1200 in 2013 and go from there.......my mileage spreadsheet has a variety of columns representing various benchmarks......1000 miles for the year, 20 miles per week (1040), 3 miles a day (1095)......assuming I can hit 1200, it then moves on to 25 miles per week (1300), and ends at 6K per day (1358). I find it very motivating to turn the red numbers black, indicating I've gone from being behind plan to being ahead.......I'll let you know how I do!
PR's: Well, for shorter distances, I'm just not sure I've got the "speed" anymore. When I look at my 5K/5 Mile/10K PR's, they all date back to 2008/2009.......maybe I'm a little "gun shy" about risking injury to see how fast I can go, potentially risking my marathons? I hurt my achilles tendon back in 2009 and have NEVER really run as fast since, which actually worked out pretty well as I shifted my focus to longer distances. Still, I wonder what I could do if I really tried.........
I'd like to continue to drop my marathon time....4:45 would be another 6 minutes, and I still believe I could go 4:30 and under. My hope is that with my new training plan (and hopefully losing about 15 pounds!), those goals will come into view.
More importantly, I want to be able to continue to enjoy running.....injury-free. Each of the last two years have seen me go over 1000 miles and that's mostly due to consistency....the kind that can only come from not being hurt!
I'm also going to get back to blogging again (hey, these are "goals", right?) on a regular basis.....I think being back on a training schedule will give me plenty to write about!
So I'll end here.....looking back on a great year, but also looking ahead to what should be an even better year!
To all of you, my friends and loyal readers (that is, at least, when I bother to write!), I'd like to wish you all the very best for the coming year. A year full of accomplishment, laughter, joy, happiness, love, and peace. And may all of your 2013 runs find the sun shining down on you, a clear road ahead, and tailwinds at your back!
See you all out there on the road, my friends......
Maybe it's all of those combined.....or maybe it's just human nature to compare projections/resolutions/goals/delusional rantings against actual results and try to make sense of it all.
So now I sit here........looking both backwards and forwards.
Looking back, 2012 was an unqualified success for me. Even though I only "raced" 7 times, each experience was a positive one. I ran 2 5k's (including one in Portland, OR while there on "business"), 3 half-marathons, and 2 marathons. The marathons were particularly important to me, as both were uniquely successful ventures. In April, I toed the line in Hopkinton, MA to run the 116th Boston Marathon. On that RIDICULOUSLY hot day, anyone who ran has a remarkable story to tell, but as a charity runner, I raised nearly $5000 for the Melanoma Foundation of New England, so even though I suffered, I had lots of motivation to continue. I'll never forget the feeling of making the left turn off Hereford onto Boylston and seeing the finish line in the distance....the crowd cheering even after 5 hours......I may never run Boston again, but on that day, I was a ROCK STAR!!
In October, I ran the ING Hartford Marathon and got a 7-minute PR. Even though I came out of that marathon a little dinged-up (as my decreased mileage the remainder of the year would indicate), it still felt great to drop my marathon time. While a 4:51 might be pedestrian to most of you, it showed me that I can improve, and gave me a lot of hope for what I'm going to shoot for in 2013.
When I look back on my year-end post last year, there really weren't any "goals" there.....just a hope for another good year.....no injuries......no sickness.......nothing too specific. I think I'll continue that trend now. While I had hoped to hit 1200 miles in 2012, I came up short......ending the year at 1088. I still managed to learn more about myself, both in my ability to persevere (Boston), my ability to learn from a bad race (Jamestown Half-Marathon), and my ability to improve (Hartford). As I now look ahead to 2013, I hope to continue all of those positive trends.
2013 "goals":
Races: Only have registered for 3 races so far, but I'm sure there will be more....several 5K's and 10K's sprinkled in......maybe another half marathon or two........I'm pretty sure there's going to be a fall marathon (either Marine Corps or Philadelphia), but here's what definite as of today:
January 1st: 4th Annual First Run 10K - Lowell, MA
March 17th: 36th Annual New Bedford Half Marathon - New Bedford, MA
May 26th: 25th Annual Keybank Vermont City Marathon - Burlington, VT
Tomorrow's race should be fun, as we're still cleaning up from the snow we got overnight Saturday. We had no real snow at all last winter (which made training for Boston SO MUCH FUN!!), so this was the first time I'd had to shovel since 2011....with nearly a foot of snow on the ground, it was hard work, and my back is still a little stiff, but I should be good to go tomorrow morning. I last ran New Bedford in 2009 (2:04), so I'm familiar with the course and will be interested to see how I'll do. Finally, I'm really looking forward to running the VCM in May......Barb has already booked our hotel room and friends who've run it in the past tell me I'm going to love it. I'm going to start training for it at the end of January and will be trying a new training program:
I saw the book a while ago, but after getting it for Hanukkah, I've hardly put it down. The Hanson's lay out a pretty logical plan (works for me!), with more of an emphasis on quality of training, rather than sheer quantity of miles. It incorporates things I've only read/heard about previously.....like something called "speedwork"....."tempo runs"........."strength runs" (ok, I'd honestly never heard of "strength runs" before, but speedwork and tempo runs.....yeah, I've avoided those in the past!)......their plan calls for a long run topping out at 16 miles, instead of the "normal" 20......anyway, it's a great book, and a very interesting plan. I'm going to be trying it out for the VCM and, if it works, I'll probably do it again for the fall marathon. Stay tuned for results!!!!
Mileage: That's simple.......I'm going to shoot for 1200 in 2013 and go from there.......my mileage spreadsheet has a variety of columns representing various benchmarks......1000 miles for the year, 20 miles per week (1040), 3 miles a day (1095)......assuming I can hit 1200, it then moves on to 25 miles per week (1300), and ends at 6K per day (1358). I find it very motivating to turn the red numbers black, indicating I've gone from being behind plan to being ahead.......I'll let you know how I do!
PR's: Well, for shorter distances, I'm just not sure I've got the "speed" anymore. When I look at my 5K/5 Mile/10K PR's, they all date back to 2008/2009.......maybe I'm a little "gun shy" about risking injury to see how fast I can go, potentially risking my marathons? I hurt my achilles tendon back in 2009 and have NEVER really run as fast since, which actually worked out pretty well as I shifted my focus to longer distances. Still, I wonder what I could do if I really tried.........
I'd like to continue to drop my marathon time....4:45 would be another 6 minutes, and I still believe I could go 4:30 and under. My hope is that with my new training plan (and hopefully losing about 15 pounds!), those goals will come into view.
More importantly, I want to be able to continue to enjoy running.....injury-free. Each of the last two years have seen me go over 1000 miles and that's mostly due to consistency....the kind that can only come from not being hurt!
I'm also going to get back to blogging again (hey, these are "goals", right?) on a regular basis.....I think being back on a training schedule will give me plenty to write about!
So I'll end here.....looking back on a great year, but also looking ahead to what should be an even better year!
To all of you, my friends and loyal readers (that is, at least, when I bother to write!), I'd like to wish you all the very best for the coming year. A year full of accomplishment, laughter, joy, happiness, love, and peace. And may all of your 2013 runs find the sun shining down on you, a clear road ahead, and tailwinds at your back!
See you all out there on the road, my friends......
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Back again????
Well, kinda.......sorta......but am I really "back"?
Until today, I haven't run since 12/16..........and I haven't blogged since I don't know when, but as the year is coming to a close, I figured I'd have to jump back in and get back to doing these things I love....runnin' and bloggin'!
I'll save my 2012 recap for later, but it's been a great running year for me. Unfortunately, it's ending on a less-than-positive note, as I've been battling with some plantar fasciitis in my right heel for the past few weeks. I have a feeling it was brought on by my compensating for some strain I've been feeling in my left quad since starting back after the Hartford Marathon back in October. I think I was just coming down way too hard on the right side and BANG, the PF monster reared its ugly head again. When I weighed well over 300 pounds, PF was a nearly constant companion, but since losing the weight, I've been fortunate to not have to deal with that in over 6 years!
So after my run on 12/16, I decided to take some time off. School was getting crazy busy, like it usually does right before the Christmas break, so it became pretty easy to just stop for a few days.....the idea being to just rest and let the PF subside. Over the last few days, the pain has been receding rapidly, to the point I figured I could start running again.
And so I went out into the chilly air this morning for an easy 4-miler (ok, it was 3.86, but that rounds up to 4!)....never pushing.....just enjoying the quiet....and the foggy exhalations. It felt good to get out again and I'm hoping to be able to get a few more runs in before New Years. I'm running a 10K on New Year's Day (the 4th Annual First Run - Lowell, MA), so I know I'm getting 2013 off to a great start......it'll also provide me with a preliminary look at my fitness level leading into my next marathon training cycle.
Hope you're all doing well.....and that you've had a great time celebrating Christmas with family and friends. I plan to share more of my ongoing adventures and I'm looking forward to sharing in all of your successes in the coming year!
See you all out there on the road........
Until today, I haven't run since 12/16..........and I haven't blogged since I don't know when, but as the year is coming to a close, I figured I'd have to jump back in and get back to doing these things I love....runnin' and bloggin'!
I'll save my 2012 recap for later, but it's been a great running year for me. Unfortunately, it's ending on a less-than-positive note, as I've been battling with some plantar fasciitis in my right heel for the past few weeks. I have a feeling it was brought on by my compensating for some strain I've been feeling in my left quad since starting back after the Hartford Marathon back in October. I think I was just coming down way too hard on the right side and BANG, the PF monster reared its ugly head again. When I weighed well over 300 pounds, PF was a nearly constant companion, but since losing the weight, I've been fortunate to not have to deal with that in over 6 years!
So after my run on 12/16, I decided to take some time off. School was getting crazy busy, like it usually does right before the Christmas break, so it became pretty easy to just stop for a few days.....the idea being to just rest and let the PF subside. Over the last few days, the pain has been receding rapidly, to the point I figured I could start running again.
And so I went out into the chilly air this morning for an easy 4-miler (ok, it was 3.86, but that rounds up to 4!)....never pushing.....just enjoying the quiet....and the foggy exhalations. It felt good to get out again and I'm hoping to be able to get a few more runs in before New Years. I'm running a 10K on New Year's Day (the 4th Annual First Run - Lowell, MA), so I know I'm getting 2013 off to a great start......it'll also provide me with a preliminary look at my fitness level leading into my next marathon training cycle.
Hope you're all doing well.....and that you've had a great time celebrating Christmas with family and friends. I plan to share more of my ongoing adventures and I'm looking forward to sharing in all of your successes in the coming year!
See you all out there on the road........
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Over another threshold...
so as of today, I've run 1,028 miles for 2012, eclipsing my previous record year (2011 - 1,025) with more than a month to spare. Even though I've been documenting my post-Hartford difficulties (i.e. lack of a "plan", lack of motivation, increasing lack of daylight.....excuses, excuses, excuses..), I've still managed to have my best running year ever.....and I'm not done yet!
I won't be starting to ramp things up again until the end of January, when I go back on "plan" to get ready for my next marathon (Burlington, VT - late May 2013), so I've still got the next 2 months to slog through until the plan kicks in. But as I sit here and type those words in, the realization hits me that instead of it being a "slog", it's really an opportunity.......a chance to "re-boot". I've been meaning to really get back to cross-training.....now's my chance. I've been wanting to get back in the pool......now's my chance. Hit the weights......now's my chance. By the time the plan kicks back in, I should be stronger, leaner, and ready for the challenges ahead.
Well, at least it looks good on the screen.......but I've always been a man of my word, and when I make a verbal commitment, I'm usually pretty darn good about seeing it through.
So I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend.....and I wish you all a very good week this week. Time to say goodbye to November and hello to December!
Onwards!!!
I won't be starting to ramp things up again until the end of January, when I go back on "plan" to get ready for my next marathon (Burlington, VT - late May 2013), so I've still got the next 2 months to slog through until the plan kicks in. But as I sit here and type those words in, the realization hits me that instead of it being a "slog", it's really an opportunity.......a chance to "re-boot". I've been meaning to really get back to cross-training.....now's my chance. I've been wanting to get back in the pool......now's my chance. Hit the weights......now's my chance. By the time the plan kicks back in, I should be stronger, leaner, and ready for the challenges ahead.
Well, at least it looks good on the screen.......but I've always been a man of my word, and when I make a verbal commitment, I'm usually pretty darn good about seeing it through.
So I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend.....and I wish you all a very good week this week. Time to say goodbye to November and hello to December!
Onwards!!!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving!
Just back from the Medway Turkey Trot.......a little bit chilly (38) at 7:30, but perfect for running! I was breaking in some new shoes (Saucony ProGrid Guide 5.....BRIGHT orange!) and was just looking to have a good run.....hopefully under 28 minutes. I felt good at the start, but was definitely stuck in slow-moving traffic over the first mile (9:15), but I didn't start weaving and passing.....maybe I should have because the 2nd mile was decidedly hillier (9:18), but I just kept rolling. Mile 3 was more downhill and flat, so I was finally able to stretch it out a bit (9:01) as I felt I was more warmed up, and then suddenly it was over. 5K's just seem to fly by......I guess my frame of reference has shifted since I started focusing on the marathon, but I barely seem to get going and then it's over. Still, it was a good race and I felt good about my time....28:34.
Now, it's time to enjoy my favorite holiday on the calendar...........I think what I love most about Thanksgiving is that it's a holiday without a specific "agenda".....just a time to celebrate the bounties of life, the joy of family, and the warmth of togetherness........not to mention a crap-load of turkey, stuffing and FOOTBALL!!!!!!
I wish all the best to all of you.......I'm thankful for being part of cyber-runner/blogger community and am still quite tickled at the idea that I actually have readers! I've enjoyed sharing in all of your adventures and hope that you've enjoyed reading about mine.
On this day, may your homes be full of laughter and love, and your bellies full of yummy food!
I'll see you all out there on the road tomorrow.....running off the stuffing! :>)
Now, it's time to enjoy my favorite holiday on the calendar...........I think what I love most about Thanksgiving is that it's a holiday without a specific "agenda".....just a time to celebrate the bounties of life, the joy of family, and the warmth of togetherness........not to mention a crap-load of turkey, stuffing and FOOTBALL!!!!!!
I wish all the best to all of you.......I'm thankful for being part of cyber-runner/blogger community and am still quite tickled at the idea that I actually have readers! I've enjoyed sharing in all of your adventures and hope that you've enjoyed reading about mine.
On this day, may your homes be full of laughter and love, and your bellies full of yummy food!
I'll see you all out there on the road tomorrow.....running off the stuffing! :>)
Monday, November 19, 2012
So what is there to see in Little Falls, MN??
Due to a little research, I can answer that question.......but of course you might be curious how (or why) I would come to find out. You see, today is my "blogiversary", and I thought it might be interesting to see just how far I've run over the past year that I've been sharing with you:
1164 miles
So being a curious sort of a guy......who also happens to teach World Geography and US History to 95 7th and 8th graders.......I thought it might be a fun exercise to see just what is out there in America at a distance that I will now call "one year running". So I fired up Google Maps, placed one point on Franklin, MA, and then extended lines out roughly 1164 miles in every direction (ok, I didn't go east, because that would just be out in the Atlantic Ocean, nor did I go north....sorry, Canada) to see just where I ended up. What I discovered was really cool, so I thought I'd share my findings with you:
From North to South, here are the places I "ended up"......
Little Falls, MN - population roughly 8300, founded in 1848 (making it one of the oldest towns in Minnesota), located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the birthplace and boyhood home of Charles Lindbergh, also the home of the Minnesota Fishing Museum.
Fort Dodge, IA - population roughly 25200, founded in 1869 on the banks of the Des Moines River, county seat of Webster County.
Sedalia, MO - population roughly 21400, home of the Missouri State Fair, adopted home of composer Scott Joplin.
Marianna, AR - population roughly 4100, county seat of Lee County, on the banks of the (most lovely named) L'Anguille River.
Kosciusko, MS - population roughly 7400, county seat of Attala County, located on the Natchez Trace Parkway, birthplace of Oprah Winfrey.
Atmore, AL - population roughly 7400, birthplace of Evander Holyfield.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL - population roughly 48400, home to the Professional Golfers Association of America, as well as astronaut Scott Carpenter.
So over the course of the last 365 days, I've visited some amazing places I wouldn't have known about otherwise.......I know I'm being a bit weird, but I think it's pretty cool.
But in all seriousness, I've really enjoyed sharing my adventures with all of you.......all through my training and fundraising for the Boston Marathon, and then to my most recent marathon in Hartford. Through this blog, I've been able to "meet" some really cool people (i.e., that's YOU, my dear readers!), as well as actually meeting Jose when we both ran the Surftown Half. Beyond that, I've been able to use this forum as a creative outlet, allowing me to share thoughts and feelings that many of you have felt, those common frustrations all runners experience from time to time. Your comments and suggestions have helped me all along the way and for that, I thank you all. My hope is that I can also serve you all similarly.....well, I try!
So now I begin Year 2 of my blog as I finish off my most successful running year ever. I'm going to keep sharing my journey with all of you, and I'll continue to enjoy reading about all of your adventures as well. This virtual running community is a really cool thing.....I'm just so glad you've all become a part of my life!
1164 miles
So being a curious sort of a guy......who also happens to teach World Geography and US History to 95 7th and 8th graders.......I thought it might be a fun exercise to see just what is out there in America at a distance that I will now call "one year running". So I fired up Google Maps, placed one point on Franklin, MA, and then extended lines out roughly 1164 miles in every direction (ok, I didn't go east, because that would just be out in the Atlantic Ocean, nor did I go north....sorry, Canada) to see just where I ended up. What I discovered was really cool, so I thought I'd share my findings with you:
From North to South, here are the places I "ended up"......
Little Falls, MN - population roughly 8300, founded in 1848 (making it one of the oldest towns in Minnesota), located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the birthplace and boyhood home of Charles Lindbergh, also the home of the Minnesota Fishing Museum.
Fort Dodge, IA - population roughly 25200, founded in 1869 on the banks of the Des Moines River, county seat of Webster County.
Sedalia, MO - population roughly 21400, home of the Missouri State Fair, adopted home of composer Scott Joplin.
Marianna, AR - population roughly 4100, county seat of Lee County, on the banks of the (most lovely named) L'Anguille River.
Kosciusko, MS - population roughly 7400, county seat of Attala County, located on the Natchez Trace Parkway, birthplace of Oprah Winfrey.
Atmore, AL - population roughly 7400, birthplace of Evander Holyfield.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL - population roughly 48400, home to the Professional Golfers Association of America, as well as astronaut Scott Carpenter.
So over the course of the last 365 days, I've visited some amazing places I wouldn't have known about otherwise.......I know I'm being a bit weird, but I think it's pretty cool.
But in all seriousness, I've really enjoyed sharing my adventures with all of you.......all through my training and fundraising for the Boston Marathon, and then to my most recent marathon in Hartford. Through this blog, I've been able to "meet" some really cool people (i.e., that's YOU, my dear readers!), as well as actually meeting Jose when we both ran the Surftown Half. Beyond that, I've been able to use this forum as a creative outlet, allowing me to share thoughts and feelings that many of you have felt, those common frustrations all runners experience from time to time. Your comments and suggestions have helped me all along the way and for that, I thank you all. My hope is that I can also serve you all similarly.....well, I try!
So now I begin Year 2 of my blog as I finish off my most successful running year ever. I'm going to keep sharing my journey with all of you, and I'll continue to enjoy reading about all of your adventures as well. This virtual running community is a really cool thing.....I'm just so glad you've all become a part of my life!
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