The forecast for Saturday at 8am was 5-10deg, wind chill -10. Well, I have all this cold-weather gear. I thought, hey, I could write about what it's like to run in the cold. I don't care if I'm miserable. At the same time I thought, but if I'm writing that I pulled something because I couldn't effectively warm-up...that wouldn't be good.
At 7 sure enough, weather.com said that Lexington (the group-run meeting place) was 7 & -10.
So whatever I have that passes for wisdom, led me to go to the gym for a long indoor workout.
As I got out of the car and was about to cross the street to the gym, I noticed, hey, it's cold...but where is that 10-15 mph with gusts wind they were talking about. Calm and still. And just then a runner passed in front of me.
The hair stood on the back of my neck and I think I could hear the distant sounds of chickens clucking at me.
The workout in the gym was good, 7miles on a treadmill, 30minutes elliptical cross-training, then 75minutes in a yoga class. I thought the yoga would be a good stretching motivator...but it was half strength poses...and besides my muscles shaking...my brain was actually getting tired. If anyone ever tells you that yoga isn't tough, tell them to go workout an hour and a half and then take a class.
But Sunday is usually a rest day...but I got 3 rest days this week already, so I resolved to run outside regardless how cold.
At 8:30am Hopkinton temperature was 11, 3windchill when I went out. I wanted to do about 8 miles, with lots of hills, mostly downhills. Downhills are "easier" than uphills from a cardio perspective but they work different muscles: the front of the leg (quads), more than the back of the leg (hamstrings). And the Boston Marathon is a net -460 vertical feet, so downhill training is recommended becuase the quads take a beating.
So for the cold, I warmed up on the elliptical before going out. The run starts at my house and goes down 200 vertical feet and then climbs back up 175 feet to the starting line 3 miles later. Then down the marathon course for the the first 3.8 miles which drops 300 feet to the center of Ashland where I finished. Rolling hills but plenty of downhill to punish the quads. The cold felt good and icicles formed on me. I love the icicles. There's nothing better to feel than your 100 degree sweat freeze solid within an hour.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Running meeting; Some Interesting Links re: Dana-Farber
Last Tuesday, I attended a runner's meeting at Dana-Farber. There were about 200 of the runners in attendance and the main focus was injury prevention, training, and stretching. They also had a poster signing for about a dozen children with cancer at Dana-Farber. I haven't met any of our "running partners" yet, but I expect to meet them at a future meeting, and Dana-Farber has a stand at the 25th mile of the race where some patients, big and small, will be watching the race and cheer us on to the finish.
I have noted a couple stories regarding Dana-Farber:
"CBS Evening News with Katie Couric"
On Jan. 28, anchor Katie Couric interviewed Ronald DePinho, MD, director of Dana-Farber’s Belfer Institute for Applied Cancer Science, for an in-depth report on where the U.S. stands in terms of cancer care today and the progress toward personalized medicine. See the cbsnews Video clip
Valerie Bertinelli on the Team
In January, actress Valerie Bertinelli sat down with Meredith Vieira of the “Today” show and Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa of “Live!” to announce her plans to run the Boston Marathon® as a member of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team.
Dana-Farber research yields new agent for some drug-resistant, non-small cell lung cancers
A team of Dana-Farber scientists has halted non-small cell lung tumors resistant to the drugs Iressa and Tarceva with a newly constructed compound that was designed and formulated in an Institute lab. Read More Here
I have noted a couple stories regarding Dana-Farber:
"CBS Evening News with Katie Couric"
On Jan. 28, anchor Katie Couric interviewed Ronald DePinho, MD, director of Dana-Farber’s Belfer Institute for Applied Cancer Science, for an in-depth report on where the U.S. stands in terms of cancer care today and the progress toward personalized medicine. See the cbsnews Video clip
Valerie Bertinelli on the Team
In January, actress Valerie Bertinelli sat down with Meredith Vieira of the “Today” show and Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa of “Live!” to announce her plans to run the Boston Marathon® as a member of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team.
Dana-Farber research yields new agent for some drug-resistant, non-small cell lung cancers
A team of Dana-Farber scientists has halted non-small cell lung tumors resistant to the drugs Iressa and Tarceva with a newly constructed compound that was designed and formulated in an Institute lab. Read More Here
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Charlie Horse
I woke up in the middle of the night Saturday from pain in the legs. It was a bit scary at first, but once I realized what was happening, I just knew the muscles were trying to tell me they were repairing...or maybe I was running in a dream. haha. Later I woke up because it was just uncomfortable to lay with my own body weight.
Is it sick, that I'm starting to find these sensations kind of cool?
Is it sick, that I'm starting to find these sensations kind of cool?
Saturday, January 23, 2010
A lot of running
I am exhausted. Perhaps the 2 workouts on Friday before running 15 miles on Saturday took its toll.
I'm aching in several joints, knees, hip, back. 400mg/ibuprofen a couple times after (and a couple before the long run).
So the run this morning was a good, but lengthy experience. The group run was at the Longfellow Club in Wayland, MA, and again a good turnout. The wether couldn't have been better for a January run - low 20's, Sunny, zero wind. The course wound through several scenic roads behind the club. Gentle hills ensure that plenty ups and downs are just commonplace.
My pace was slower than I expected, but it very much felt like my body was setting its own pace so that's a good thing.
At the end, I met a guy who was running at about my pace. He said he wanted to run the marathon because he wasn't a runner, and therefore a challenge. He got interested in Dana-Farber when a former colleauge died of cancer, and participated in the Dana-Farber's Jimmy Fund Walk in support of a child with Leukemia.
Too tired, I have to go to bed and get some rest.
I'm aching in several joints, knees, hip, back. 400mg/ibuprofen a couple times after (and a couple before the long run).
So the run this morning was a good, but lengthy experience. The group run was at the Longfellow Club in Wayland, MA, and again a good turnout. The wether couldn't have been better for a January run - low 20's, Sunny, zero wind. The course wound through several scenic roads behind the club. Gentle hills ensure that plenty ups and downs are just commonplace.
My pace was slower than I expected, but it very much felt like my body was setting its own pace so that's a good thing.
At the end, I met a guy who was running at about my pace. He said he wanted to run the marathon because he wasn't a runner, and therefore a challenge. He got interested in Dana-Farber when a former colleauge died of cancer, and participated in the Dana-Farber's Jimmy Fund Walk in support of a child with Leukemia.
Too tired, I have to go to bed and get some rest.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
12 Miler: First Group Run
This is the level and timing of workouts where it seems to count for marathons. 12 miles in the relative cold (although 30-35 is above normal for this time of year), running in Boston, and running in a group. Running in a group has some challenges and some benefits. You get "inspired" to push yourself, but you have to be true to your own abilities and not accidentally over do it.
This run started/finished at the Boston Running Company apparel store in downtown Lexington, a few steps from the historic Battle Green site of 1775. There were at least 50 -75 runners crmmed into this little shop.
There is a great "rail trail" bikeway a few paces from the shop. I've been on this 11 mile railroad-turned-into-bikepath several times when I used to live in Cambridge, but only on bike and never in Winter. Certain sections are plowed in winter and some diehards pedal to work all year long. For running, a good portion is unfortunately covered in packed snow and even worse, black ice.
I wonder how many footfalls I wasted "spinning my wheels" over ice. Regardless, it is refreshing to be able to run a long distance without having to think about cars all the time.
The path is mostly downhill from Lexington 6 miles almost to the end at the Alewife T stop. Dana-Farber had water and gatorade stops at 3,6,9 miles. I chose the red gatorade, and I intend on drinking it during the marathon (they have stops every mile during the race, and they serve orange, red and green gatorade). I don't even bother trying to name the actual flavors, because its just chemicals, but for some reason I get sick to my stomach when drinking the green Gatorade...but not the others. I need the sugar calories when running and it is essential to train with the same sustenance you'll use in the race.
For the run, kept pace with some folks that were running a bit faster than my normal pace, and felt fine. I was thinking to myself, this running path was great, ice aside, except it had no hills, which the marathon course has about 5 notorious hills...then when it was time to turn around, I realized that the path had been gradually decending this whole time and that it was going to be a gradual climb the whole way back. A very good course because normally I'd have more gas in the tank to pick up the pace the last mile, this way I was pushed to the very end and used most reserves trying to keep a steady pace.
Back at the store, I took the time to stretch and cool and warm up. A woman introduced herself, and told me that for her, running for Dana-Farber provided a support network that she didn't have when her father had cancer a few years earlier.
I hope to meet more people and hear stories of how having a cause, fundraising, running, and marathoning help transform people's lives.
This run started/finished at the Boston Running Company apparel store in downtown Lexington, a few steps from the historic Battle Green site of 1775. There were at least 50 -75 runners crmmed into this little shop.
There is a great "rail trail" bikeway a few paces from the shop. I've been on this 11 mile railroad-turned-into-bikepath several times when I used to live in Cambridge, but only on bike and never in Winter. Certain sections are plowed in winter and some diehards pedal to work all year long. For running, a good portion is unfortunately covered in packed snow and even worse, black ice.
I wonder how many footfalls I wasted "spinning my wheels" over ice. Regardless, it is refreshing to be able to run a long distance without having to think about cars all the time.
The path is mostly downhill from Lexington 6 miles almost to the end at the Alewife T stop. Dana-Farber had water and gatorade stops at 3,6,9 miles. I chose the red gatorade, and I intend on drinking it during the marathon (they have stops every mile during the race, and they serve orange, red and green gatorade). I don't even bother trying to name the actual flavors, because its just chemicals, but for some reason I get sick to my stomach when drinking the green Gatorade...but not the others. I need the sugar calories when running and it is essential to train with the same sustenance you'll use in the race.
For the run, kept pace with some folks that were running a bit faster than my normal pace, and felt fine. I was thinking to myself, this running path was great, ice aside, except it had no hills, which the marathon course has about 5 notorious hills...then when it was time to turn around, I realized that the path had been gradually decending this whole time and that it was going to be a gradual climb the whole way back. A very good course because normally I'd have more gas in the tank to pick up the pace the last mile, this way I was pushed to the very end and used most reserves trying to keep a steady pace.
Back at the store, I took the time to stretch and cool and warm up. A woman introduced herself, and told me that for her, running for Dana-Farber provided a support network that she didn't have when her father had cancer a few years earlier.
I hope to meet more people and hear stories of how having a cause, fundraising, running, and marathoning help transform people's lives.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Chickened out of the cold
When I woke up it was 1deg out; Watertown was 7deg at 7am; and dropped to 2deg by 7:30am. Not worth it.
So I went to the gym for over 2-1/2 hours to make it up. 3 miles on the treadmill, followed by a full hour in a spinning class (for the uninitiated, Spinning is a bunch of people on stationary bikes, being motivated by an instructor and blasting loud music.), then another 3 miles on the treadmill. Not as good as getting out there and running 2 hours straight, but much wiser, I believe. Definitely lower impact on the joints, too.
So I went to the gym for over 2-1/2 hours to make it up. 3 miles on the treadmill, followed by a full hour in a spinning class (for the uninitiated, Spinning is a bunch of people on stationary bikes, being motivated by an instructor and blasting loud music.), then another 3 miles on the treadmill. Not as good as getting out there and running 2 hours straight, but much wiser, I believe. Definitely lower impact on the joints, too.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Preparation for cold weather running
Tomorrow (Sun, 1/10) forecast for 8am is in the mid teens with wind chills around 0.
I plan to be running with the DFMC team in Watertown starting from the Mt. Auburn Athletic Club.
The run is planned for 14-16 miles but where I am, it's prudent to stick with my plan and run between 12-13 miles.
I hope to combat the cold with some new gear Santa (Alicia) got for me. My concerns are for head and hand warmth, with just the right amount of arm and leg coverage to protect the skin, but not overheat, and allow wicking. My core burns hot, so I have no concerns there.
In 2000, I had several runs where I grew icicles off of me...I'll share if that happens again.
In my shoes, I have padded long-distance running socks, which should be fine.
The legs will be covered in 2 layers. Skin-tight "Pepper Skins" and a lightweight running pant for a little wind protection. 3 layers for the top: Skin-tight, hand covering layer, a fleecier thermal layer shirt, and my old trusty Gore-Tex Holy Cross Crew shell for wind protection (and convenient pockets). The hands with have skin-tight cross-country skiing gloves and light-weight mittens for wind protection, that I can easily remove one to drink water, adjust clothing, etc.
I will start training with Gatorade and PowerBars. The Marathon serves Gatorade and PowerBar Gel. It's essential to train with the same sustenance as race day. The body can be unforgiving to changes when under stress.
I plan to be running with the DFMC team in Watertown starting from the Mt. Auburn Athletic Club.
The run is planned for 14-16 miles but where I am, it's prudent to stick with my plan and run between 12-13 miles.
I hope to combat the cold with some new gear Santa (Alicia) got for me. My concerns are for head and hand warmth, with just the right amount of arm and leg coverage to protect the skin, but not overheat, and allow wicking. My core burns hot, so I have no concerns there.
In 2000, I had several runs where I grew icicles off of me...I'll share if that happens again.
In my shoes, I have padded long-distance running socks, which should be fine.
The legs will be covered in 2 layers. Skin-tight "Pepper Skins" and a lightweight running pant for a little wind protection. 3 layers for the top: Skin-tight, hand covering layer, a fleecier thermal layer shirt, and my old trusty Gore-Tex Holy Cross Crew shell for wind protection (and convenient pockets). The hands with have skin-tight cross-country skiing gloves and light-weight mittens for wind protection, that I can easily remove one to drink water, adjust clothing, etc.
I will start training with Gatorade and PowerBars. The Marathon serves Gatorade and PowerBar Gel. It's essential to train with the same sustenance as race day. The body can be unforgiving to changes when under stress.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Leaving Florida today
I got in some good runs. Now I'm leaving the relative warmth of Florida for the bitter cold of New England. Training outdoors will be more challenging, but I have lots of cross-training alternatives that will be much kinder to the body than pounding the pavement.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Day of Rest
It will typically be my plan to spend the day after long runs resting. It is especially important today. So sore and tight. The in-laws let me use some of their "Biofreeze" methol rub. Stuff really works and doesn't leave me smelling like Ben-Gay. I can do stretching and yoga sun salutations pain free.
I look forward to running again and hope the pain and soreness will be gone when I wake up tomorrow...or at least by the time I take my first stride.
I look forward to running again and hope the pain and soreness will be gone when I wake up tomorrow...or at least by the time I take my first stride.
01/02/10-1st Long run
Whn I ran Boston in 2000, 10.5 miles was my baseline long run. And I'd run it every other weekend. But I'd run it from Newton-Wellesley hospital to Boston, along the race course, tackling the infamous Newton hills, every time, and most days it was near or below freezing.
Here in Florida, we hit a cold spell...but clear, 55, a light breeze and flat...it hardly hardship, nor an accurate comparison to training in Boston in winter. And the run was beautiful. The intercoastal between Delray Beach and Boca Raton has miles and miles of mostly asphalt sidewalks with few road crossings, water views, and manicured real estate. A very other runners are present and several walkers to weave a bit. All and all a great run.
Afterwards tightness came on quickly, but stretching throughout the day helped alot.
Here in Florida, we hit a cold spell...but clear, 55, a light breeze and flat...it hardly hardship, nor an accurate comparison to training in Boston in winter. And the run was beautiful. The intercoastal between Delray Beach and Boca Raton has miles and miles of mostly asphalt sidewalks with few road crossings, water views, and manicured real estate. A very other runners are present and several walkers to weave a bit. All and all a great run.
Afterwards tightness came on quickly, but stretching throughout the day helped alot.
01/01/10-New Year's Resolution
I'm running the Boston Marathon and there's no better way to resolve to do so but with a New Year's Day morning run. And no better motivation than to do so in Florida. Except it was a bit hot and humid here and I didn't get out until 8am. I'm not used to the heat now and people underestimate how much the sun will take out of you.
Regardless, I had a good 5 mile run, at what I hope will eventually be my marathon pace (just under 9min/mi). There aren't many easy to get to places here where you run on something softer than concrete, which is really hard and tough on the knees. I took care to ice the knees afterwards and took a couple ibuprofen.
Planning my first long run on Tuesday the 2nd.
Regardless, I had a good 5 mile run, at what I hope will eventually be my marathon pace (just under 9min/mi). There aren't many easy to get to places here where you run on something softer than concrete, which is really hard and tough on the knees. I took care to ice the knees afterwards and took a couple ibuprofen.
Planning my first long run on Tuesday the 2nd.
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