Fair Weather Runner

Historically I am a very fair weather runner. I do not enjoy running all that much to begin with and consider running a necessary evil to keep from looking pregnant. So if the weather dropped below about 45 degrees - I would find it very easy to not lace them up and go outside.

Now that I am training for a marathon - that option really no longer exists. Of course, many people use treadmills to avoid the elements but I hate treadmills almost much as I hate beets.

Luckly I picked a great winter for training - as I was still running in shorts in January. However upon my return from Florida the temps had plunged and I would have to test my ability to run in colder temps. I had invested in some running gear that was far superior in comfort and utility then the heavy cotton sweats I had previously used.

Although I have not yet run in extreme cold - I find it quite comfortable, and perhaps even preferable, to run in temperatures in the 20's. Yesterday I did a 12.5 mile run along the marathon course and the temps were in the low to mid 20's and I was not bothered in the least.

My right knee is a bit sore today but not major impact from my long run yesterday.

Fun in the Sun and now Back to Reality

One giant step forward for family fun, one small step back for marathon training.

Just returned from a 10-day family vacation to Florida. Was hoping to take advantage of the warmer weather to get in some good training but only got one relatively short run and a brief spin on an elliptical machine during the 10 days. Hopefully walking around Disney with a 5 year old on my shoulders was building up endurance for Heartbreak Hill.

I returned on Saturday to temps in the 20's and a stiff wind but went out for a 5-6 mile run to get myself acclimated to the New England winter. It is the first time I had to wear more than one layer on the legs. Actually felt great during the run but realize that I need to quickly ramp up my miles.

Shorts in January

Up to this point - I could not have picked a better winter to train for my first marathon. It is the first week in January and I am out running in shorts ! It was almost 70 degrees and I took advantage and went for a 10 mile run (to Wellesley Center and back). I was happy that both my knees and achilles felt good throughout the entire run.

Especially during long runs - I rely heavily on my iPod shuffle to help motivate and ward off boredom. Here are my current Top 5 running songs on my iPod.

Mandolin Moon (Sister Hazel)
Drops of Jupiter - Live (Train)
Going the Distance (Rocky Soundtrack)
Stay with You (Goo Goo Dolls)
Son of Man (Phil Collins)

Running + Beer + Pizza

When I first started dating my wife - she lived in an apartment on Beacon street in Boston - directly across from a bar called Crossroads. Every once in awhile we would end up in this fine establishment (once for New Years).

This same bar has a tradition of hosting the various charity running teams on Thursday nights. People gather at the Crossroads and then take the subway out to various spots and run back into the Crossroads. The Crossroads provides free pizza for the runners after they arrive back at the bar.

Tonight was my first experience with a Crossroads night. I met the team in Newton Centre and ran 7 miles along the marathon route and ended up at the Crossroads enjoying a beer and some pizza with about 50 other runners.

This was my first time running on the marathon route and it felt good to get a feel for the terrain.

Ready, Set, Go.....

2007 is the year I run the Boston Marathon. It is one of those ideas that sounds good in theory until you realize that it requires you to run over 26 miles - in a row - without stopping for lunch!

I have been fortunate enough to be selected for the Miles for Meals team supporting the Greater Boston Food Bank. I am a board member and volunteer at a local food pantry (A Place to Turn) in my home town in Natick. Being a part of the Miles for Meals team allows me to fulfill a personal goal of running the Boston Marathon and raise money for a great cause.

My goal is to raise $3,500 for the Greater Boston Foodbank. Your donation is greatly appreciated and can be done online via credit card or you can make a check out to The Greater Boston Foodbank and send it to my at 5 Larchwood Lane, Natick MA 01760

This blog will periodically cover my attempt to get in-shape for the run from Hopkinton to Boston on April 16th.