run, run, run

Once again I stayed up late, ate like crap for several straight weeks and then tried to run a 5k on New Year's morning. And each year I get a bit slower.

It is a fun race though. Hang out in the RAM till just before race time. Run fast. Go back inside the RAM to eat some really good soup, get warm and watch some football.

I have a really good excuse this time. The course was really slick in a few places and had a big puddle to run through at one point. But, that's not why I ran slower than last year. I'm just out of shape right now. Good motivation to go on a diet in January.

Boise, ID Noon

Pace: 8:27

A nice Saturday run. Just because I know I'll have to take a couple of days off this week. Felt good, weather was nice.

Pittsburgh, PA 5:30 pm

Pace: 8:45

Cold and snowy. Pittsburgh is a fun place to run. In just six miles I crossed five bridges and ran through downtown, along the three rivers and by two stadiums. Hard to keep a fast pace because it was either crowded streets or snow and ice. But it was fun.

Pittsburgh, PA 8:00 pm

Pace: 9:39

I wasn't going to run today. I haven't been sleeping well and was really tired all day today. But then I finished the work I needed to do and ran anyway. I went short and slow tonight. I even stopped off at a store and picked up some food and a Gatorade. I'm still thinking about running in the morning. It all depends how I sleep tonight.

Pittsburgh, PA 6:00 pm

Pace: 9:24

Even snowier today. I ran on the path along the North Shore and on Herrs Island before crossing the 31st Street Bridge and then down Penn Ave into downtown, around the convention center and back across the Clemente Bridge to the hotel. Early on in the run I saw this lady on what looked like a cross between one of those carts that old/disabled people ride in Walmart and a John Deere Gator. It had knobby tires and cruised along in the snow pretty well. But the reason I mention it is that she had two big dogs. One was a German Shepherd that was running loose and barking alot. It frightened me a bit, so I moved over on to the street that runs parallel to the path. When she passed me by she kept yelling "he won't hurtcha, he won't hurtcha" so I said "Thank You" and she kept yelling "he won't hurtcha." Then she turned around and headed back the way we came and said "bye bye." I said bye bye back and kept on running.

Meridian, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:50

No Randy today. He emailed this morning, said his family is all sick. Good to get back on solid ground after all of the snow in Pittsburgh. I had to take a long weekend off when I didn't run on Friday and then my flight was cancelled, so I flew back on Saturday.

Boise, ID 6:20 am

Pace: 9:05

I was feeling proud of myself for staying on my feet all winter so far. But then this morning I went down on dry pavement. I don't know what I tripped over, but I scraped up my hands and my knee a bit. I was having trouble seeing because of a car's headllights coming at me and the next thing I know I'm on the ground. So don't be surprised to hear on Coast To Coast radio tonight a caller from Idaho saying that "I saw this feller wearing an orange shirt and reflecters on his arms running at me in the dark. Then all of the sudden, poof, he just disappeared."

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:25

Rainy with temps in the high 30s. One of those days where you are either too hot or too cold. Zip up the jacket, unzip the jacket, zip it back up.

Today's run was kind of pathetic. I'm in lousy shape right now and Randy hasn't run in weeks, so we were both just trying to slog on through it.

Meridian, ID 6:00 am

Pace: 8:37

Felt better today. Kind of cold.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:25

Kind of cold this morning. Good run. Legs were kind of tired by the end, but I'm feeling a bit stronger.

Boise, ID 11:30 am

Pace: 7:57

I went out for five miles just to get my weekly total up to 40. When I got out there I figured if I'm only going five, I might as well keep the pace under 8 per minute.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:23

Good thing I ran with Randy this morning, because if I was alone, I'd've been running really slow.

Meridian, ID 6:00 am

Pace: 8:52

 So I'm at the light on Eagle and Ustick. I wait patiently for the light to change. It changes to the white walk guy and I'm about to cross. But at least six cars turn right without even looking. I'm waving my arms doing what I can because it is a really long light and I don't want to wait twice. Finally all of those very rude drivers finish their turns and I can cross the street.

 Other than that, the run was fine.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:29

Kind of rainy at the start, but it stopped and the weather was pretty good. Around 40 I think.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:48

This run was as uneventful as they come.

Two pairs of new shoes came in the mail today. Gotta keep that closet stocked.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:22

A decent Friday run in the rain. Randy almost ran into a kid on a bicycle. I think it was the same kid I almost ran into on Wednesday.

Boise, ID 10:30 am

Pace: 8:18

Tough weather to stay comfortable in. About a mile and a half into it I got really hot and shed a layer. About a mile and a half after that I was cold and put it back on and never really warmed up the rest of the run.

Felt good through most of the run, but was kind of dragging the rest of the day. It was nice to get a couple of back-to-back 40-mile weeks in January.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:20

About halfway through the run Randy said he was feeling tired. I just kept the same pace because I figure he runs tired faster than I run when I'm fresh.

Spanish Fork, UT 7:15 am

Pace: 8:18

Ran in to work this morning. Good run. Felt strong.

The Springville Stink was pungent this morning. It caught me by surprise. Didn't hit me till I was around the back of the plant.

Spanish Fork, UT 7:15 am

6.05 miles Pace: 8:20

Ran into work again this morning. I was listening to music on my iPod and for some reason one song had the volume setting in iTunes turned all the way up. So it all of the sudden started blasting in my ears. Scared the crap out of me. Damn you Lady GaGa!

Springville, UT Noon

4.68 miles Pace: 8:58

Matt wanted to run at lunch, so I went out again. About two miles out we had to stop for a train. When we started running again I was totallly out of gas. Then I rememberd that besides running six miles this morning, I had consumed one bottle of Gatorade, two cherry Pop Tarts and a can of Diet Mountain Dew. Not enough fuel in the tank for another run. But, with less than a mile left I started feeling a bit better and looked at my watch. Our cumulative pace was at 9:07. I told Matt that if we picked it up we could get it down below nine by the time we got back to the office. So we finished strong just in time for my wife to be returning from lunch with a delicious roast beef sandwich for me. And life was good again.

Spanish Fork, UT 7:30 am

Pace: 8:27

Ran in to work again. Took a litte bit different route. Last day dealing with the Springville stink.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:34

Didn't get much sleep. Got up in the middle of the night because I was wide awake and for some reason thought it would be a good idea to watch Deliverance. Not the best "help you fall back to sleep" movie.

 Anyway, once I got my butt out of bed and on the street, I felt ok. Not as cold as I expected.

Meridian, ID 6:15 am

Pace: 8:50

I lifted weights last night -- first time in about 10 months. I will be glad I started up again in about two weeks. For now it kind of sucks. That and a cold that can't decide if it wants to hit me in full force or not had me feeling pretty lousy this morning. But I went out anyway and as usual, I felt better somewhere around mile 2. I didn't push myself, but put in the miles becasue pain is always better than guilt (almost always).

Boise, ID 6:15 am

Pace: 9:07

 I took Wednesday off. The cold had gotten worse and I needed a rest day. Still feeling kind of lousy this morning, but I went out and ran anyway -- slowly. Besides the cold in my head my boobs hurt (pecs actually). Still sore from working out on Monday.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:30

Pouring down rain the whole run. I was smart and didn't bundle up under the rain jacket this time, so I didn't get too hot. When we got to the corner of Duane and Ustick, there was a small break in the cars after a school bus. Randy said "should we go?" I didn't say anything until the bus passed and then I yelled "no." By then Randy had taken off and had to wait for my wussy butt to cross after a big line of cars went by.

Nampa, ID 1:20 pm

Pace: 8:28

The kids had a birthday party in Nampa today, so I killed time by going for a run. I started at Lone Star Middle School and took Lone Star Rd. to Lake Ave and along side Lake Lowell for a little ways then Iowa Road to Middleton and back to the school.

I hadn't run anyplace new for a long time, so it was really nice. Saw some chickens, cows and llamas (or alpacas. I can't tell the difference). I had also never seen the lake before. It's a lake. About all I can say for it.

It was also nice to run in shorts for a change.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:14

Colder than usual this morning. Felt pretty good. It's nice that the sun is starting to come up by the end of the run. Spring will be here some day.

Meridian, ID 6:15 am

Pace: 8:55

Ran kind of slow today. Wasn't really feeling it. I think I was just tired.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:25

I stepped off curb to cross McMillian this morning and landed on my back. Not sure how that happened. Now my ankle is sore.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:33

I took Thursday off because my ankle was still sore. Now I feel sick. Hacked up some green stuff. Cut the run short.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:33

Was feeling really sick over the weekend. Chest cold. Feeling better today, but not 100%. Off to Utah tonight.

Spanish Fork, UT 7:15 am

Pace: 8:41

Ran in to work. Took the short way in. Springville Stink wasn't too bad this morning.

Spanish Fork, UT 7:15 am

Pace: 8:33

Ran in again this morning. Stressing over work and had an 8:30 meeting, so I called my wife and told her to stop and pick me up instead of honking and driving on when she passed me on her way to work.

Spanish Fork, UT 7:15 am

Pace: 8:37

Ran to work again.

Spanish Fork, UT 7:30 am

Pace: 8:33

Last day in Utah for this trip. Ran in to work with a light snow falling. Took a lap around the building to get my weekly mileage up to 30 so I don't feel like I have to run tomorrow. But I still might.

Boise, ID 6:30am

Pace: 8:28

It got cold again. I ran by myself this morning because I forgot to check my email last night and Randy wasn't dumb enough to run in the cold unless I was running too.

Meridian, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:47

Another cold morning. Dressed more warmly than yesterday. I need to remember to wear the thicker running pants when it's below 30.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:28

Not as cold anymore but pouring down rain. I didn't overdress, so that was nice, but I forgot the band-aids. Ouch

Meridian, ID 6:15 am

Pace: 8:55

Ran the regular Meridian route but in reverse direction.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:21

Kept a decent pace this morning. Felt pretty good once I was out there.

Boise, ID 10:15 am

Pace: 8:34

A good little run on a nice day. Sun was out and I wore shorts. A big dog ran at me but his owner was there and I was pretty sure he wouldn't rip my leg off, so I wasn't too worried.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:05

Cold this morning, but a good run. Kept the pace up and felt strong most of the way. With clear skies I realized that I was running at the very coldest point of the day. But, if I didn't do it then, it wouldn't get done.

Boise, ID 6:15 am

Pace: 8:50

I figured if I'm going to run 26.2 with the potatoes in May, I'd better start uping my mileage now. It was a nice morning. Amazing what a difference 10 degrees make.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:30

It rained last night but had stopped by the time I went out running. Weather was warmer than usual, in the low 40s. With all the water on the ground, the sidewalks looked like a Jonestown for worms.

Boise, ID 6:20 am

Pace: 8:55

I missed the rain on the other end this morning. Shortly after I got back it started pouring. Had trouble keeping up the pace. I think that just means it's Thursday.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:44

I was on my own this morning and it shows in my pace. Just had a hard time getting the speed up until the last couple of miles.

Boise, ID 10:30 am

Pace: 8:15

I ran the number of the beast again.Great weather for a Saturday run. Kept a comfortable pace the whole way until the last few hundred yards. I was almost home and this neighbor kid rides past me on his bike and I get this idea in my head that I should try to catch him. Well, I caught him. Until he realized I was there and took off. Smoked by a six-year-old.

Boise, ID 7:30 am

Pace: 8:32

Decided to do a ten miler before leaving town. Who knows how much I'll get to run this week in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh, PA 6:30 pm

Pace: 8:20

I needed to buy a charger for my cellphone, so I ran to the AT&T store and bought the overpriced piece of wire. Then I went down Penn St. through downtown, past the paper and over the bridge, down to the next bridge and back to the North Shore, along the river past the casino and Steeler's stadium and back to the hotel.

My Garmin messed up during the first mile or so. Shorted me at least a quarter mile. Ended up reading 5.75, so I'm calling it six.

Pittsburgh, PA 6:00 pm

Pace: 9:19

I ran across the West End Bridge and through the West End neighborhood. It was kind of difficult getting there. The construction that got in my way a year ago was still there, but this time I just ran through it. I ran around the back of that big hill that is across the river from downtown and then took a road that goes straight up. Good Robie training if I end up doing that. Then I ran down the other side and across the Liberty Bridge, then downtown and back to the hotel. It wasn't just a run, it was an adventure.

Pittsburgh, PA 6:30 pm

Pace: 8:47

I was feeling stressed about work I need to get done for next week, so I was thinking about not running tonight. But, since it's supposed to start pouring down rain by morning I decided to go for 3 or 4 miles. I ended up going down a riverside trail to the end of it, about 3.5 miles away. I then turned onto a street and was going to loop around on some city streets, but I was next to the prison and the road went under a dark, scary viaduct -- and prisons aren't known for being in the nicest neighborhoods. So I turned around and went back the way I came.

 Rabbits kept running across the trail in front of me. I suppose that if there are a lot of rabbits, there probably aren't any big, dangerous animals around. But, on the other hand, the rabbits still frightened me.

Boise, ID 9:00 am

 Pace: 8:56

Surprised to see snow on the ground this morning. Nothing on the roads, but the lawns and roofs were white. I knew this was going to be a rough one, but had to get it done because I have so few windows of oportunity between now and mid-May to get long runs in. I flew in around midnight last night, but with the time change I was awake by 7:30. I took my time getting ready and left around nine. I ran down Cloverdale to Executive/Emerald to Curtis and then got on the Greenbelt, staying on the south side of the river. Got off at Glenwood, up the hill to Goddard, Maple Grove, Edna and back home on Cloverdale. I kept the pace around 9 mpm which is about all I had in me anyway.

 Only a few noteworthy events. While I was running past REI I saw some poor dude pull out of the parking lot while his brand new kayak fell off the top of his truck on to the road. I stopped to pee along the greenbelt and accidently peed on one of the fingers of my glove, then realized that it is the finger I usually wipe my nose with while I'm running. I had to be careful there (TMI?). And finally, I saw a fox running across a bridge over the Boise river, and I'm not talking about the ladies either. It looked like a small dog with a huge tail. That was kind of cool.

New York, NY 6:00 am

The Garmin watch struggles in the city. It didn't find a sattelite until I was in Central Park and then when we got out of the park, reception was all over the place. But it was a great run. Up through Times Square into the park and around the reservoir. The only thing that would have made it better would be if it was not so dark out. We're planning on running after work tomorrow.

New York City, NY

Planned on doing a few miles after work. We started at Matt's hotel near the Empire State Building and ran to the East River. We ran on the paths along the river for a while and got to the place where we planned on turning around. But we saw the Brooklyn Bridge up ahead and decided to run to it. When we got there we decided that since we where there, and might never be there again, we decided to run across it. When we got to the other side, we decided to run over to the Manhattan Bridge. When we got off of the bridge we were in Chinatown, and kind of lost. We stopped at a drug store and bought some Gatorade and the worked our way back over to the river and back the way we came.

About ten miles into it Matt's calf started cramping up pretty bad, so we went Jeff Galloway for the last two miles. Run a while, walk a while. When we finished Matt kept appologizing for ruining the run. I told him to shut up. He didn't ruin anything. It was one of the coolest runs of my life and was a lot more fun than it would have been by myself.

New York, NY 6:00 am

I rested last night because my leg was sore. But I don't think it's from running. I think it is all of the walking I've done this week. Next time I come here I'll have to figure out how the subway works.

Boston, MA 6:00 am

Pace: 8:30

I got in after midnight last night, but knew I had work to do this evening, so I dragged my tired butt out of bed and went running. It was worth it. I ran across Boston Common to the Charles River and then crossed at Mass. Ave, up to River Street in Cambridge, back across the river and back to the hotel. Weather was great. Got passed by a rowing team on the river -- so they really do that. I thought it was only in the movies.

Boston, MA 6:00 am

Pace: slow

Pouring rain, but like and idiot, I went out and ran anyway. I went around the perimeter of downtown, mainly staying near the waterfront so I wouldn't get lost. And I didn't, until I got back near the hotel. I decided to take a quick lap around Boston Common to get another mile in and somehow got lost and couldn't figure out which corner my street was on. I had to ask a hotel doorman.

Boston, MA 6:00 am

It was raining when I started out and kind of cold because I wore shorts, but I got comfortable pretty soon. I ran along both sides of the Charles River and only got really cold when I was crossing the bridge.

 Stopped by the Bill Rodger's Running Center last night. Charlie Rodgers was working and showed me around. Lots of old memorabilia and photos on the walls. That was really cool.

Bountiful, UT 7:30 am

Didn't run yesterday. I was traveling all day, had no chance.

I woke up this morning and put on shorts and two shirts and expected to go out and run. Then I decided to turn on the computer to check the weather. To my surprise I saw a snowflake icon on the weather report. So I looked outside and saw it coming down. I hadn't even brought my warm top, so I put on another shirt and my running pants and headed out. I went up the hill to Bountiful Blvd., ran to the temple and turned around and back down the hill. I'm still thinking about doing Robie, so I the hill was good to train on and to realize that I'm in a lot of trouble if I don't get a few more hill workouts in.

It was pretty out there though.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

 Didn't run on Saturday. Ended up going to a late movie Friday night and knew I had to drive home Saturday afternoon. I didn't want to kill the kids on the road, so I slept in.

Good to be back home. Weather was great - low 50s. Took the usuall route. Kept up a decent pace until the last mile and a half. Randy had to stop and walk off and on because nature was calling and there was no where to make a pit stop.

Boise, ID 6:00 am

Ten miles in the rain. Still trying to warm up.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Randy had a meeting so we cut the run a little short this morning. I guess I should have run around the block one more time to get my monthly mileage up to 170.

Cold this morning 32 degrees. I thought it was supposed to be spring. What's up with that?

Meridian, ID 6:30 am

I'm getting tired of the cold. It was 32 degrees this morning and now it's snowing. I'm ready for the summer.

Took the 7-mile Meridian loop this morning. Not very eventful. Just cold.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:13

Still cold. Uneventful morning run.

Boise, Garden City, Eagle, Meridian, ID 8:00 am

My first long run of the year. Can't say that I felt great the whole way, but I guess I'm not supposed to. Part of the way through I started wondering if running a marathon next month is a good idea. I will probably only have a chance to get one more 20-miler in before the race in May. Let's see if I can get into better shape before then. Good thing it isn't a race that sells out. I can decide pretty close to race day.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

 Pace: 8:27

Usually the legs feel fresh on Monday morning after taking Sunday off. After Saturday's long run, today felt like a Friday. But I slogged through it and avoided the rain, so it wasn't too bad.

Boise, ID

Decided to take it kind of easy and only do a five-miler. I'll make up for it this weekend.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Ran the usual MWF route.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Warmer today 50 degrees, but kind of windy.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Cold again.

Boise, ID Noon

I decided to not do the Beat Coach Pete run today and instead do another long run. I'm still trying to decide if I'm up for running the Potato Marathon next month. About 13 miles into it, I was deciding that I wasn't. Really dragging. But then after mile 15 I started feeling better (far from good, but better) and was able to keep the pace under 9 mpm. I can put in one more long run in two weeks and decide then.

New York, NY 7:30 pm

Didn't run in the morning. Just too tired with jet-lag and a terrible night's sleep. I was ready to call it a day when Matt said "wanna run?" So I did. I was supposed to call Matt and meet him on the corner of  9th and 34th. So I called and called and he didn't answer. Finally he called back and said his ringer was off. So I ran down and met him arond 7th, then turned around and ran back to the river. We ran up the Hudson river past the Intrepid aircraft carrier up to a peir. Then we turned around and ran back. New Jersey looks a lot nicer from this side of the river.

New York, NY

Nice run in Central Park. Ran from the hotel up 9th and met Matt on 59th street and ran up around the reservour. The weather was great and the trees are blooming. I was really tired getting up and the legs weren't the strongest after running the night before.

New York, NY 6:00 am

Same route as yesterday. Felt tired. Not really into it. But the park was pretty.

New York, NY 6:00 am

For the last run of the week we decided to take 34th Street to the Hudson River and run south until it was time to turn around and go back. We mad it down past the Holland Tunnel. It was nice weather, trying to rain a bit but very comfortable. Didn't really try to run too fast. I'm just worn out from the work week.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8.28

Good to be back home on the regular MWF route. Weather is getting less cold and it was light for most of the run. Life is good.

Meridian, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:45

Another nice morning. Took it kind of easy, enjoying the day.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Meridian, ID 6:30 am

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Took a bit of a shortcut this morning. Planning on going long on Saturday. Don't want sore feet.

Boise, ID 8:00 am

My last chance for a long run before the marathon. I wanted to do a 20-miler so I can decide if I'm really up for the race. This turned out to be a really busy day so I only went 17 and a half and still don't know if I'm ready. I think I'll just do it. More balls then brains, I suppose.

Boise, ID 7:00 am

I needed to take the car to the shop, so I dropped it off and ran home. Up Cole to Goddard, along Edna to Cloverdale and home. I need to run 37 miles by the end of Friday to have 200 for the month. Now I just have to decide if I really want to.

Meridian, ID 6:45 am

Warmer this morning, about 62 but cloudy and a few sprinkles here and there. Didn't run very fast, but did a lap around the subdivision at the end just to add another mile.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:17

Weather was awful. Low 40s, really windy and light rain off and on. Froze until I the wind stopped, then I got too warm. Then the wind would start blowing and the cycle continues.

Meridian, ID 6:15 am

Not as windy as yesterday, but just cold. 35 degrees. I hope it warms up soon.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:18

Still a little chilly, 41 degrees. I'm ready for the warm weather to arrive. I made it to 200 miles for the month. Not bad for April.

New York, NY 6:30 pm

Flew in to NYC today and felt like moving my legs a bit, so I ran up to Central Park. Really warm out there. Was I just complaining about the cold the other day?

New York, NY 6:00 am

Ran up to Central park and around the lake. Great morning in the 60s. Ran past the Today Show on the way back. Didn't see Al Roker.

New York, NY 7:30pm

Arranged to meet up with Matt at 6th and 34th. I meant 5th and 34th. So we wasted a little time waiting for each other on opposite ends of the Empire State Building. But once we got started it was a great run. We took 34th to the Hudson River and then around the  bottom of Manhattan Island and up the East River and back to Times Square. Perfect weather and a really good time. I needed that. This week at work sucks.

New York, NY 9:00 pm

Worked late, met some co-workers for Mexican food then went for a run. I thought that was going to be an ugly combination, but it was really nice. The weather was perfect and Central Park was very peaceful at night.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

My Garmin battery was dead this morning, but I've run this route so many times I know how far it was. One last seven-miler and a few shorter runs this week, then the marathon on Saturday. Ready or not ...

Boise ID

Boise, ID

Famous Potato Marathon

Worst race ever.

I didn't really feel prepared for this one. I had only put in two 20-milers in April and my diet's been pretty lousy lately too. But I signed up for the race anyway figuring that my time wouldn't be the best, but it would be a good challenge.

That was a good plan until on Thursday night things took a turn for the worse. I came down with what I can only imagine was a mild case of food poisoning. I spent most of Friday on the can feeling generally lousy. I drank as much water and Gatorade as I could, but it seemed to be just going straight through me. So, genius that I am, I decided to give the race a shot anyway.

Saturday morning I was not feeling swell, but better than Friday (at least that's what I told myself). My plan was to try to keep at about an 8:30 pace for as long as I could and then hang on the last few miles and see if I couldn't put in a decent time. That didn't work out so well.

By the time I was about 3 miles into it I knew that 8:30 - 8:40 was all I could muster. I tried to keep that pace through the first half, but slowed down into the nines after about 10 miles and by the time I reached the half-way point my cumulative pace was just under 9:00. My gut was kind of rumbling the whole way, but not enough to warrant a pit-stop.

The next few miles I got slower and slower. I kept running, but just barely. Senior citizens were passing me right and left. At about 16 miles I saw Tony on his way back. "How's it going, Tony?" "Sucks" "Me too" Then, Tony being Tony he told me I was doing great. He lied.

At mile 18 I saw Neil on his way back. He was walking. He claims I talked him into running this race. I might have lost a friend today.

By the time I got off the green belt just before the turn-around I was spent. My wife was waiting there and told me that I didn't look so good. I slowed to a walk and she walked with me the 100 yards or so to the turn-around. At that point my body started freaking out on me. I actually started crying. Not sure why -- that was weird. A guy sitting on a lawn chair in front of his house said "You can do it. Only seven miles left."

At the turn-around aid station I drank two cups of water and started walking back toward the greenbelt. I started feeling really awful and the next thing I knew I was on my knees puking water on someone's lawn. Mr. Only Seven Miles Left came over and said "Dude, sometimes you just have to call it a day. You've still got seven miles left to run. And that's a hell of a long way."

That was the last straw. I walked to the van, ripped off my number, laid down on the floor and told my wife to drive me home.

On the way home more strange things were happening. My body was kind of twitching in some funny places. Then when I got home I started shivering. I laid down on the floor with a blanket over me until the shaking stopped. Then I went upstairs, took a hot shower and got into bed. And the shivering started again. I just couldn't get warm, even though it was not cool in the house at all.

After resting for a little while, we got back in the car and drove to the park and I made my walk of shame to pick up my bag and turn in my timing chip.

So now I'm still a seven-time marathon finisher and a one time DNF puker. Marathons and food-poisoning don't mix. Lesson learned.

New York, NY 6:30 am

Rainy weather and I was tired, but went out and ran anyway. I thought we should do some sightseeing, so we ran over to First and then up to the UN building. None of the flags were out yet. That was disappointing.

New York, NY 6:30 am

Matt texted me at 2am saying he was still up and wasn't going to run this morning. Luckily I didn't get the text until I woke up. So I ran alone down 23rd to the East River then down to Houston St. and across to the Hudson River and back up. A good run. Kept the pace comfortable, but I felt good.

New York, NY 6:00 am

Ran down 7th to SoHo. Wanted to see the building I would be working at week after next.  It was a good run, but I was feeling kind of bad by the end of it. Gut rumbles.

New York, NY 6:30 pm

I didn't run on Friday because the noisy people next door kept me up all night. And I didn't run on Saturday because I was stuck overnight in Salt Lake and the airline kept my bag with my running shoes in it.

I don't like skipping days, but I love running on three days rest. I feel like I can run forever. We decided to do some exploring. Hit a dead-end on the East River, so we went back up first to 59th and then across to 5th. Running back down Fifth was fun. Weaving around and dodging people, cars and hot dog stands. Didn't run too far because we are planning on going out again in the morning.

New York, NY 6:00 am

A nice run around Central Park. Weather was a little humid, but since it was snowing at the Salt Lake airport yesterday, I won't complain.

New York, NY 6:00 am

A great run this morning. Went up Broadway to 112th so I could take a photo of the Seinfeld restaurant for my wife. Then crossed over and ran back through Central Park. Weather was perfect and I got to see some neighborhoods that I hadn't been in before. It was kind of the television tour of NY. We ran past the Letterman show, the Seinfeld place and the Today Show.

New York, NY 6:00 am

I didn't run on Thursday because I had been working until 11:30pm on Wednesday night and was wiped out. So Wednesday night I worked until 1:30am but couldn't skip two days in a row before the weekend, so I ran anyway.

It was Matt's last run in NY, so we took a loop around all of Central Park. A perfect day for a run and just what I needed to get started on what is to be a very long day today. Now I have to figure out the subway.

Boise, ID 7:30 am

It's been a rough weekend trying to juggle work and home responsibilities, so it was nice to get out and run a few miles this morning. It was a really nice morning for a run. I tried to push the pace a little bit, but was feeling a little sluggish.

This time of year is great for running except for the cotton blowing in the air. Have to watch that it doesn't fly into my mouth or nose. Also, the birds are nesting and buzz me when they think I'm gettin too close to their trees. I hate that.

New York, NY 7:00 pm

I had a red-eye flight Monday night and went straight to work Tuesday morning. Left the building about 5:30, Skyped with the kids and then decided to go for a run. I was wiped out, but didn't want to go to sleep yet to keep my body clock in the right order.

I was slow and sluggish, but it was a great run. I'm down in SoHo this week, so a ran down Spring St. and down LaFayette to the Brooklyn Bridge. Across and then over the Manhattan Bridge, through Chinatown and back to the hotel.

Saw a dude peeing in the street.

New York, NY 6:30am

Didn't go too far after running last night, but it was good to get out and I brought my camera with me this time. Went on a similar route to last night's but in the other direction. I went over the Manhattan Bridge first and then back over the Brooklyn Bridge.  I also went down by the river on the Brooklyn side. If it had been evening, I would have felt like I was in a chick flick.

New York, NY 6:30 am

I went to a Yankees game last night and got in kind of late, but I got up anyway. My achiles has been hurting a bit, but not when I run. It was sore when I got out of bed, but after a few blocks it was fine. Weird.

I went downtown today. I ran past Ground Zero, but didn't look in. I've seen it before and it's kind of depressing. But, I went past the Trinity Church and down Wall Street to the East River, up to 10th and across to 7th.

Boise, ID 8:30 am

I didn't run on Friday morning. Just didn't have it in me. But now I'm back and the NY project is over. One week at home then off to Boston.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Took the usual MWF route, but didn't reverse the course this time. So now frontways feels like backways.

I was pulling weeds on Saturday and was frightened by a duck nesting in my weeds. But worse than that I spent so much time bent over pulling the weeds that my hamstrings were really sore. It took about a mile to work out the soreness and it turned out to be a pretty good run. 8:27 pace. Not too shabby.

Boise, ID 7:00 am

8.03 miles

Had to take the car to the shop. The window controls on the driver door went out. After my daughter's softball game last night, we went to Dairy Queen for an ice cream cone. My daughter had to order through the passenger window.

Anyway, I ran from the car dealer by the mall down Cole to Emerald to Curtis and back on Ustick. My legs are still a little sore from this weekend. I've also had a nagging pain in my achiles, but it usually hurts more when I'm not running.

 Boise, ID 1:20 pm

3.05 miles

Ran to my sister's house to borrow her car. My daughter rode her bike along side me, so that was fun. My legs felt kind of heavy, but it was nice to get out in the middle of the day.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Perfect weather for a run this morning. A little slower than Monday. Still feeling kind of sore in the legs.

Meridian, ID 6:30 am

Woke up and ran because that's what I do.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

The basic MWF route. I finished the run at Randy's house and carried a box of irrigation stuff home. That wasn't as fun as running.

Boise, ID 9:00 am

Getting up on a warm Saturday morning and running a few miles is a great way to start the weekend.

Boston, MA 6:15 pm

Flew in today and went for a run after checking into the hotel. Went down Boston Common, past Fenway Park, over to the river, crossed over to Caimbridge past Harvard and back. Nice run, great weather this evening.

Boston, MA 6:00 pm

I didn't run last night because I went to a Red Sox game. Fenway Park is cool.

Tonight I decided to run longer. I wanted to see the temple, so I thought I would run there. When I started out I wasn't feeling good at all, so I planned on turning back early, but whatever it was passed and I kept running.

I never made it to the temple. I kept getting lost. I stopped at a convenience store and asked an old Russian lady how to get downtown on foot. "Oh! Why you gotta walk so far?" I told her I was running. "You crazy."

Boston, MA 6:00 pm

I ran through South Boston along the beach and out to Fort Independence. It was a fun run. I saw a part of town that I would not have if I wasn't a runner.

South Boston sure looked a lot flatter on Google Maps.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Regular MWF route. Didn't really push it, but kept a decent pace. It was kind of chilly this morning, but better than hot.

Kennewick, WA 5pm

Last week I got lost in Boston. No shame there, everyone gets lost in Boston. Today I got lost in my hometown. I parked at the Alberson's on Gage Blvd and ran down Keene Rd. to Badger Mtn. I ran up the trail to the top of the mountain. It was tough one. I was spent by the time I got to the top. So, on the way down I decided to take a short-cut. The short-cut added about 4 miles to the run. I had to cut through an orchard and around another hill, a long ways out of my way. Some days you get a quality workout in whether you wanted to or not.

Kennewick, WA 6:30 am

I ran through the old hood this morning. It was kind of weird going past the old house. It looks pretty much the same as it did back in the day. Maybe a bit more run-down. Knowing some of what went on inside some of the houses on that street -- if those walls could talk. I also ran by the high school, something I don't think I ever did when I was actually in high school.

I didn't run yesterday. I was wiped out from Tuesday night's run and didn't have time in the afternoon/evening. But the kids wanted to hike up Badger Mountain, so I did that again. Walking this time and no short-cuts.

Boise, ID 7:30 am

A good run to start the day. I went up Cloverdale to Overland then across to Maple Grove. Nice weather. I think summer is finally here.

Spanish Fork, UT 6:30 am

A very nice run. Perfect weather. I went up to Mapleton and over to Springville. The Springville Stink didn't last long, but it was as strong as I ever remember.

When I got to work I realized that I had forgotten some things, so I had to drive back.

Spanish Fork, UT 6:30 am

Another nice run in to work. I didn't go all the way up to Main St. Mapleton and ended up in some construction going through Springville. I remembered to bring all of my stuff this time.

Spanish Fork, UT

Ran into work again today. Went up the slant and then over to Main St. Mapleton and across the top of Springville to 4th N. I saw a new brand of roadkill this morning. A dead fox on the side of the road. That's a new one for me.

Spanish Fork, UT

Ran in to work today. Wanted to get started on the day and felt kind of tired, so I went straight in on Hwy 51 instead of going up to Lindon. Ready to go home.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Forgot to tell Randy that I was in town until late last night. So I waited in front of his house for a few minutes and then left on my own. I ran with music this morning. I need to do that more often. The podcasts are interesting, but might be slowing me down sometimes.

Meridian, ID 6:30 am

Took a little modification of my Meridian loop. I went up Cloverdale to McMillian and then down Locust Grove to Ustick.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Meridian, ID 6:30 am

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Keeping up the sevens this week.

Boise, ID 7:15 am

Took it slow and easy. I went over to Maple Grove and down the trails to Chinden and back up the hill. Nice morning for a run.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

One last run before leaving town for a while. Picked up the pace for this one. Avg pace was 7:52. Haven't been under 8 for a 7-miler in a long time. I really need to start pushing myself more.

Boston, MA 6:30 pm

The last time I was here, I tried to run to the temple in Belmont and I got lost over and over again. This time, I came loaded with enough electronic navigational gear to mount an arctic expedition. I had my Garmin watch, the GPS from my car, my cell phone and a camera (I know, an iPhone would do all of these things, but I'm just too cheap). I used the GPS several times to stay on track getting there. I would have never made it on my own.

The run was ok. Pretty slow, but it was warm, then rainy and I was going off of about 3 hours sleep the night before. I stopped and got some Gatorade twice on the way back. My legs were kind of hammered by the time I got back.

Boston, MA 6:30 am

Since this is my third week in Boston and I hadn't seen most of the historic sights yet, I decided to bring my camera and run along the Freedom trail. It's marked with a big red line, so I didn't get lost until I got to the end of it and then it didn't take long to get back on track.

I saw some good sights, Boston Common (I've run through there many times already), the Mass 54th monument from the movie Glory, Paul Revere's house and statue, the Old North Church (I wanted to yell "The British are Coming!" but there were people around), The USS Constitution and Bunker Hill. At the Constitution I stepped over a little fence and got yelled at by some sailors.

It was a short run, but took a long time because I stopped a lot and didn't run very fast.

Boston Common

Paul Revere

Bunker Hill (self-portrait)

Norm!

Boston, MA 6:30 am

Went along the Charles River this morning. Got turned around by some construction but otherwise uneventful.

I went by Bill Rodger's Running Center last night and chatted with Charlie for a while. Great guy and he gave me a free t-shirt.

Meridian, ID 9:00 am

I really pushed it this morning. My pace was just under 8 min. per, but I didn't haven't been sleeping much this week and I ate pretty early last night, so I felt like I was giving it a pretty good effort. Now I'm tired.

I signed up for a race in Bountiful on July 24. I'm planning on using it as a good hard workout for Top of Utah. Maybe I'm ready to finally get serious about things. Maybe.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Got in a morning run with Randy before leaving town. Got the avg. pace under 8 just before getting to the finish.

Grantsville, UT 7:00 am

Vacationing in Grantsville, UT (doesn't everybody?). I left the house and ran to the end of the subdivision and then along a dirt road that goes along the edge of the Tooele Army Depot, went 3.5 miles and then turned around and ran back. A lot of nothing out there. Just sagebrush and a bunch of bombs and stuff.

I felt really slow and sluggish during the first half of the run. Couldn't keep my pace below 9 min. per mile. Didn't understand why until I got to the end and turned around. I saw a nice view of Grantsville below me -- I'd been running uphill the whole way. Gained about 500 ft. So, when I turned around and ran back I felt good and ran much faster. Amazing how that works.

Bountiful, UT 8:00 am

Went 3.5 miles down Bountiful Blvd then turned around. Kind of dragging today. I spent all of yesterday with the kids at the water park. A lot of time on my feet.

Bountiful, UT 8:00 am

I ran down Davis Ave. Didn't want to go to far with the half coming up on Saturday. I started out kind of slow but then picked up the pace on the way back. I pushed it pretty hard trying to get my avg pace down below 8 for the run. I finished at 8:01. bummer

I was in Utah for the week, so I decided to enter a race on Saturday morning. I wasn't up for the full Des News Marathon, so I entered a half in Bountiful. I took the kids to a baseball game the night before and stayed for the fireworks. Not thinking things through very well, I downed a Diet Coke in the late innings. That kept me up all night. I wasn't sure how I'd do on this one. I've felt kind of out of shape lately -- as out of shape as you can get running 30-50 miles a week. But, the last couple of weeks I've decided to get more serious.

The race was kind of strange, but fun. Only about 100 runners and about a mile into it a bunch of us got stopped by a train, so I lost about a minute and a half. I also had to stop at a traffic light near mile 11. Cars were going by and there wasn't anyone there to block traffic. The mile markers were off too. Miles 3 and 6 were off by about a quarter mile, then at mile 9 my garmin read 9.9 miles. But, the final length of the course was correct.

With such a small field, there weren't many people around. One woman was running about the same pace as I was (in the 7:40's) and we traded off chasing each other for about 10 miles. Then after mile 11 I started to fade a bit. Mile 11 was 8:11, Mile 12 was 8:31 and Mile 13 was 8:28. The woman I had been runing with held her pace and fell back. The only other person around in the last four miles or so was a guy I passed at mile 10.

I should have tried to kick it in the end, but my legs didn't have much left in them. I only sprinted for the last couple hundred yards when I saw the finish line.

 This wasn't my fastest half, but it was fun and I felt really good about my time considering my training lately. Plus, the small field made for a good place. I got a little handcart as a prize. Then I spent the rest of the day driving the family back to Idaho.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

My flight out of town wasn't scheduled until 3pm, so I went for the usualy MWF run. My legs still felt kind of heavy after the race on Saturday and a bike ride on Sunday.

Boston, MA 6:00 pm

Had the flight from hell last night. Two hours on the plane in SLC before they unloaded us, made us wait and put us on another plane. Landed in Boston at 3:30am, slept 3 hours and went to work. Then, for some reason I thought it would be a good idea to go for a run.

It wasn't a bad run. I kept up an 8:30 pace most of the way, it just seemed like it took forever. I ran down to a greenbelt type thing. Some signs said it was a rive, but it didn't seem to be moving at all and parts of it stunk like a swamp. But it was shady and I appreciated that.

Boston, MA 6:45 am

4.77 Miles

Got out a little late today so I ran short this morning. Nice run along the Charles River. Achiles was hurting more than usual.

 6:30 pm

3.25 Miles

Since I didn't run very far this morning and because I couldn't think of anything else to do after work I decided to go out and do a couple of easy laps around Boston Common. Once I started I decided to run faster and see how fast I could crank out a 5K. Ended up with a 22:57. Not too shabby for me. Better than a few of the races I've run.

Boston, MA 5:15pm

I ducked out of work a little early and took a cab to an airport hotel and went for a long run. My first one as I prep for Top of Utah. I went down the road to the beach and then ran along the beach for several miles. That was really nice. They had a sand castle competition going on. I wished I had my camera, then realized that I was running 20 miles and decided that no, I'm actually glad I'm not carrying it.

Then the road crossed over to a retail area. There was a big accident on the road (something else I might have taken a photo of). Apparently a tow truck ran into another car and caught on fire. This part of the run wasn't very fun. Kind of crowded, lots of cars and really stinky in a few places.

At about mile 7 I turned off on to a causway sort of a thing. Mostly just a path along the beach that lead out to a place called Nahant which put me at just about 10 miles. Nahant is a nice little town that reminds me of a little New England island community -- because it is a little New England island community.

After turning around at mile 10 I stopped at a little grocery store to buy a Poweraide. I brought it up to the counter and found out that they don't take credit cards. I asked the clerk if there was a place I could just get some water and he surprised me by saying that he would buy the drink for me. One of those moments that restores your faith in mankind.

The trip back was more of the same but the other direction. I stopped near mile 17 and bought a Gatorade and did the turn on the Garmin while I'm stopped, turn it off when I'm running thing, so my timing is off a bit.

The last few miles were rough, but not as bad as some runs, so that helped my confidence. I got back to the hotel and jumped in the pool. It was freezing, but just what my aching legs needed.

Now I get to spend tomorrow morning flying home. Good thing I got upgraded. Five hours in coach with fidgity legs might have been the end of me.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/42467530

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Had a good run this morning. Weather was jsut about perfect. Even a little chilly starting out. About 3/4 of a mile into it I decided to pick it up and kept the pace under 8 the rest of the way. Finished with an avg. pace of 7:49.

Meridian, ID 6:15 am

Didn't go very fast this morning. Barely got my avg pace below 8:30 by the end of the run. Nice weather again.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

The usual MWF route. Had a little harder time keeping the pace up but was able to get the avg down below 8 in the last mile. Eating better and running harder. I've dropped a few lbs and feeling better.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Went up to Chinden and Maple Grove then came back through some neighborhoods at the top of the bench. I don't often run through unfamiliar neighborhoods when I'm home, so that was kind of nice.

Didn't keep up the pace I had hoped, but the week tends to wear on me. I'm going to shoot for 10 more tomorrow and then 7 to 10 on Saturday to get my weekly total up to 50.

Meridian, ID 6:30 am

Just a little run around the block. Ustick to Meridian to Franklin to Cloverdale. Feeling kind of slow this morning. Put in music for the last mile or so and picked up the pace.

Boise, ID 7:30 am

My foot was really hurting last night. But, I think it was from being home all week and not wearing shoes. Too many hours in flip flops. This morning I decided to go out and run anyway to see how it felt. It really never hurt and by the time the run was over it was fine. I guess I'll wear shoes today.

New York, NY 5:00 pm

I flew in to NYC this afternoon and took of on a long run after I checked into the hotel. I wondered if it was a bad idea since I'd gotten very little sleep and it was 90 degrees out. So, I planned a run with a few escape routes along the way -- shortcuts back to the hotel and subway stops if I got desperate. But I didn't need them.

I went from Lower Manhattan to the Brooklyn Bridge, up to Prospect Park and did a loop there, back down by the river and over to the Queenboro Bridge, crossed the bridge and down 2nd Street back to the hotel.

I wanted to keep the pace below 9 min/mile but that didn't happen. I kept it close and I might have actually made it, but the Garmin does weird things with all the tall buildings around.

New York, NY

Even though I went long last night, I wanted to get on a morning schedule for the week, so I got up and ran a few miles with Matt. We went down Broadway to Wall St. and over to the Hudson River and up to Houston. Stopped off at Au Bon Pain for some oatmeal on the way back. I figured that was the best way to avoid eating a bagel or a McMuffin for breakfast.

New York, NY 6:30 am

I felt like Monday night's long run must have caught up with me. I was really dragging the first mile or so. I never felt full of energy, but I kept up an 8:30 pace - or so, it's hard to tell in the city. Went down Canal St. (gross) to the Hudson River, down around the bottom of Manhattan and up the East River to Houston, picked up some oatmeal and back to the hotel.

New York, NY 6:30 am

This one didn't work out the way I'd hoped. Matt called at 6:15 saying he needed to sleep another hour, so I took off on my own. I had mapped out a route that seemed pretty simple. I crossed the Williamsburg Bridge and continued on to Union St. and followed it to Flushing where I was supposed to tur right. Or was it left? Left seems right. So I turned left. I should have turned right. Before long the buildings started getting smaller and scarier. I turned again in what felt like the right direction and luckily came upon a subway station, so I went down and looked at the map on the wall. I was nowhere near where I thought I was or where I wanted to be.

Now, the wise thing to do at that point would have been to get on the train and go back to Manhattan. But, since I'm not a wise person, I got my bearings and kept running. I went back to downtown Brooklyn, crossed the Brooklyn Bridge and went back up Lafayette to the hotel. My 7-miler turned out to be 9.5 and I thought I was going to be late for work, but I got cleaned up and was able to walk into the office at 8:59.

New York, NY 6:30 am

I know I've said this before, but this should be my last run in NYC. I really hope I'm done with this project.

Matt and I ran across the Manhattan Bridge then back across the Brooklyn Bridge, down to Battery Park and up the Hudson River to Houston St. Kept up a pretty good pace. The Garmin had our avg. at 8.07, but in the city it could be off a bit.

As we were running down the street toward Battery Park a guy was walking down the street yelling "F-- George Bush and F-- George Bush's Mother!"

I got a blister on the back of my foot above the heel. I don't know if it's the new shoes or the new socks. Either way I'm bugged because I liked them both.

Boise, ID 7:30 am

Just a short run to start the weekend off. I got in late last night, but it is still nice get up and out on the road. I can sleep in tomorrow. After a slow first mile I picked it up and kept the pace well below 8 mpm. I wore my old shoes and couldn't feel the blister on the back of my foot at all. Not sure what to do about that.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

A very good run this morning. Felt strong the whole way and increased the pace every mile.

1    00:08:14    1.00    08:14
2    00:07:57    1.00    07:57
3    00:07:52    1.00    07:52
4    00:07:50    1.00    07:50
5    00:07:43    1.00    07:43
6    00:07:42    1.00    07:42
7    00:07:30    1.00    07:30
8    00:00:27    0.07    06:40

I wore the Ghost 2s again. They felt good until the very end when the blister on the back of my foot ripped off and it started to hurt. I tried lacing them up tightly at the top. Maybe I need to keep them looser.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

I didn't run yesterday. The stupid blister on my foot was really sore and I didn't want to make it worse. What a stupid reason to not be able to run. I went swimming in the afternoon and then cut the big, gross flap of skin off

Today was better. I wore my old shoes and the feet felt good. Kept up a decent pace, getting a little faster each mile. I'm going to run again tomorrow morning and then go long on Friday.

Meridian, ID 6:30 am

Floated down the river last night with the kids from church. Not as relaxing as you might think. I was feeling a bit fatigued this morning, but kept the avg. pace under 8:30. I wanted to go a bit slower today anyway because I'm planning on a long run tomorrow morning.

Boise, ID 6:30am

It was time to another long run so instead of mapping out a long course, I just did the regular MWF loop three times. The first lap was with Randy and we dialed down our normal pace to the 8:10 - 8:20 range. Lap two was in the 8:20s. Lap three was, of course the hard one and my pace fluxuated between 8:35 and 9:00. I think it's the fastest 20-miler I've done so far. I did take short (under 5 minute) breaks inbetween laps to grab a drink and much on a Powerbar.

On my first lap I carried a water bottle and stashed it under a tree. I drank half of it on lap two. On lap three it was just my luck that the sprinklers were on, so I got soaked trying to get to the bottle.

After the run I hosed off and jumped in the pool, then took a nap. I wish I could take a day off work every time I go long.

Boise, ID 8:15am

Wanted to get a short run in after going long yesterday. Started out sluggish but picked up the pace gradually until I was going pretty fast (for me) the last mile and a half.

1    00:08:47    1.00    08:47
2    00:08:22    1.00    08:22
3    00:08:18    1.00    08:18
4    00:08:06    1.00    08:06
5    00:07:40    1.00    07:40
6    00:04:16    0.58    07:24

Finished with an avg. pace of 8:09. Now two days off. Next week will be tough to get the miles in, but I'll do what I can.

Boston, MA 6:00am

I ran down the Charles River, took a loop around Harvard Stadium and back the other side of the river. It was a wet morning. Not raining bad though. The stadium was really cool. There were a few guys running stairs. I thought about it, but had to get back.

Boston, MA 6:00 am

I ran along the beach in the pouring rain this morning. I ran through UMass-Boston then up the beach and back through South Boston. I wasn't cold, just very, very wet the whole way. I ran pretty slow, but it is hard to keep up a good pace in this weather.

It was a mostly uneventful run except when I was running near the water I heard something hit the ground really close to me. It scared me silly and I thought someone was throwing rocks at me, but it was a seagull dropping oysters or mussels, some kind of shellfish, on the sidewalk to break them open and eat them. Or, maybe he was trying to kill me.

Boston, MA 5:30 am

A good workout. I ran over to Harvard Stadium and ran stairs for a while before heading back. By the time I was done my legs were trashed. Rain finally stopped and the skies are clearing. Going to be a nice weekend.

Boston, MA 6:15 am

I woke up yesterday and just didn't have it. So I slept in and decided to get up today. I'm at a different hotel, so I went over to South Boston and along the beach. A pretty uneventful run except that technology failed me. My Garmin wouldn't turn on and I couldn't find my headphones for the iPod. But it's all about the run, so it was still good.

Saint John, New Brunswick 6:00 am

For my first run in Canada I was kind of hoping for some scenery. I just picked out some roads on a map and ran. As far as scenery goes, I chose poorly. Mostly strip malls and fast food joints. Then I thought I was getting out in the country a bit and turned on Grandview Road. I crested a hill and got the grandest view of an oil refinery. I'll have to ask the locals about a better route for tomorrow.

Saint John, NB 6:00 am

I got lost again. I mapped out a course to a big park in town and took a few wrong turns getting there, but I finally found it. But once I was there I didn't know which entrance I had come in at and where I was going. There were a few signs with a park map on them, but they were completely unreadable and after a few miles I ended up right back where I started. So I worked my way back to where the hotel was and ran a loop around the downtown area. Lots of hills today.

Saint John, NB 5:00 pm

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/47317493

I planned on doing my fourth and final TOU long run after work on Friday, but there is a hurricane on its way, so I went out tonight. Weather was nice, but I made a couple of tragic errors in judgement that I think are contributing to the way I feel right now.

I mapped out a course on Google that turned out to be pretty good, but hilly. I only saw the roads on a map, didn't know anything about what was on them. I didn't bring any water with me. There was a drug store between miles 2 and 3, but I didn't stop because I was sure there would be something down a little further. There wasn't. So I ran out to this islandish thing called the Irving Nature Park (JD Irving pretty much owns this Province, including the paper I'm working at). It took about 6 miles to get there and it was about 3 miles around it, so I took two laps before heading back. So, except for a gel I choked down at mile 9, I didn't have anything to drink until mile 17 or so.

My second mistake was deciding to get clever and do some trail running on the island. The whole course was hilly, but the trails were especially so, with some parts needing stairs to go up and down. I only ran on the trails for a couple of miles, but it took a lot out of me.

But I survived and jumped in the hotel pool afterward. That really helps get the aching out of the legs.

Now I'm just hoping that Earl will change directions a bit and not make me stranded here on Saturday morning. I've got to get home in time to watch my Cougars put a beat down on the Huskies.

Saint John, NB 6:15 pm

After my long run yesterday, I planned on a short, easy run tonight. Then I mapped out a course along the Bay of Fundy (you can't say Bay of Fundy without Fun!) that ended up being medium length. Then when I got out there I was feeling good and decided to push it for the last few miles. Felt great by the end of the run and now I'm ready to leave this place -- as long as Hurricane Earl doesn't screw up my flight plans.

Eagle, ID 6:00 am

I friend from Utah was in town so we went for a morning run on the greenbelt. It was a really nice run, four miles out and then turned around. Everything going smoothly until just before mile 5 I turned my ankle. Hurt like a motha, but I went ahead and kept running. It kind of stopped hurting and we even increased the pace for the last three miles.

Then I got home and iced it and it really started hurting. Now I have a knot on my ankle the size of a tennis ball. Two weeks till Top Of Utah. I guess I'll start tapering now.

Boise, ID 11:30am

Finally went for a run after resting and icing my ankle for a week. Dropped the car off at the shop for an oil change and ran home.

I planned on taking it slow and easy, but I guess I had just been holding out for so long, I was at at sub 8mpm pace the whole way. The ankle felt stiff, but ok. I think I'll be fine. I'd better be fine.

Boise, ID 6:30am

Went out for a five-miler this morning. Ankle felt ok. Pace was good. One more run tomorrow and then it's Logan or bust.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Last run before Top of Utah. I'll take tomorrow off and travel down to Logan on Friday. The ankle isn't 100% yet, but I was able to maintain a decent pace and wasn't in pain at all -- just a little uncomfortable. What I don't know is how it will hold up over 26.2 miles. I guess I'll find that out on Saturday.

Finally, a marathon I feel really good about. Finally finished Top of Utah under four hours and bested my PR by more than 11 minutes.
I wasn't sure what to expect this time since the swelling in my ankle hadn't died down yet. But, I'm in better shape than I've been in before and my training was solid, so I decided to just go for it: to set my pace at 8 minutes per mile and see how long I could hold it. I also think I had a pretty good plan for hydrating and carbing up during the race.
The ankle held up nicely. I felt it the whole way and it hurt a few times, but it worked out and felt fine afterward.

Split Time Distance Avg Pace
1    00:08:24    1.00    08:24
Traffic spread out pretty quickly.
2    00:07:51    1.00    07:51
3    00:07:46    1.00    07:46
4    00:07:49    1.00    07:49
5    00:07:58    1.00    07:58
6    00:08:07    1.00    08:07
Worst aid station stop ever. It kind of snuck up on me and I struggled to get my long-sleeve shirt off. Tossed it into the box, then reached in my back pocket for some Gu. Ended up getting the ziploc bag with the ibuprofen. Put it back, got the Gu, put on my sunglasses, they fogged up and I couldn't see. Reaching blindly for the Gatorade. Put the glasses back on my head and got back into the race.
7    00:08:06    1.00    08:06
8    00:07:44    1.00    07:44
9    00:07:51    1.00    07:51
10    00:08:22    1.00    08:22
I had to pee.
11    00:07:49    1.00    07:49
12    00:07:46    1.00    07:46
13    00:07:51    1.00    07:51
14    00:08:09    1.00    08:09
Stopped to pee again. I was getting near the end of the canyon and I think it's impolite to pee in strangers' yards.
15    00:07:49    1.00    07:49
I ate a pack of Sports Beans over the next couple of miles. That was the only time in the race that my gut really hurt. I'm not eating Sports Beans from now on.
16    00:08:05    1.00    08:05
17    00:07:58    1.00    07:58
18    00:08:05    1.00    08:05
This is where it starts getting difficult.
19    00:08:11    1.00    08:11
20    00:08:32    1.00    08:32
21    00:08:10    1.00    08:10
22    00:08:27    1.00    08:27
23    00:09:01    1.00    09:01
The family was waiting for me. I ran with my daughter for a couple of blocks. She probably slowed me down a little bit, but it was worth it. I had an idea to have my wife make me a half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and give it to me on the course. I figured it would be easy on my stomach, more calories than Gu and might be something I could force myself to eat (peanut butter is one of the world's greatest foods). It worked out ok. I only ate half of it and it was easy on the stomach, but the peanut butter was kind of hard to swallow.
24    00:09:15    1.00    09:15
Starting to fade a bit.
25    00:08:59    1.00    08:59
Hanging on.
26    00:09:21    1.00    09:21
OK, this hurts now.
27    00:04:08    0.48    08:43
Euphoria.

After the race I felt awesome. Tired, of course, but not fall on the grass in the fetal position exhausted. But the real test was the Fat Boy ice cream sandwich. After the two previous TOU races I've taken one bite and threw it away. This time I finished it off and it was quite tasty.

Boise, ID 6:30am

I thought I was ready to run again after the marathon. I thought wrong. One mile into it I was feeling good. Two miles into it I stopped and walked home. I had some pain in my groin that wasn't real bad, but I didn't want to agrevate. It was a long, cold walk home. Maybe I'll wait until Friday to give it another go.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Made it five miles this morning. Still felt it in the groin, but it wasn't as bad as Wednesday. We'll see how it goes tomorrow.

The Dirty Dash, Soldier Hollow, UT

Today's lesson: Don't sign up for a 10k one week after a marathon, no matter how fun it looks.

It was fun, but I was worried going into it. My left ankle was feeling good, but I had been having groin pain when I ran. But I'd signed up for this mud run, so I had to do it.

Before the race I was feeling ok. Shortly into it, I wasn't. It started out with a big muddy hill. I took off too fast and started feeling it in my chest. The first half of the race was really rough. Very hilly and I couldn't get my heart rate down and had trouble breathing. Finally, I reminded myself that it was just a fun run and wasn't even timed (I couldn't even time myself because I didn't want to ruin my watch). So I slowed way down, even walked up one hill.

The worst part, I rolled my ankle again. But the right ankle this time. Not as bad as the other one, but it still hurt.

The first few obstacles weren't very fun. Leg hurt on the haybales, chest still hurting through the tunnels, but by the time I got to the walls you climb over I was feeling better.

I got a little muddy over the walls, got my wind and headed out towards the lake. Slogging through the lake was fun and I started feeling really good. I started running harder and passed a lot of people. When I got to the top of the final hill I took my shirt off and dove down the slip-and-slide. I think I lost a nipple going down that thing. Fun -- but gives you a rash.

Then I run down the hill and dive into the mud pit. It's deeper than I expected. I went completely under and even swam underwater for a few strokes. I crawl through the mud pit, over the mud hill and cross the finish line to get my picture taken with a stuffed pig.

Good times. The right ankle is still sore and my body is generally a mess, but I'll take it easy for a few weeks and be back at it soon.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Just a short, easy run to test out the legs. Felt pretty good. Started out slow and increased the speed each mile. Ankles are still a little tender, but I think I'm ready to work my way back into the regular routine.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Didn't run very fast this morning. Still working out the aches and pains from the last few weeks. Randy wasn't pushing it either. He said he was sore from playing ultimate frisbee. I just shook my head.

Meridian, ID 6:30 am

Ran on my own this morning. Getting cooler in the mornings. I wore gloves the whole time. I wanted to keep the pace to be a bit faster than it was, but it was ok. I kept pushing myself just a little past a comfortable pace, so it's all good.

It's getting to the point in the year where it is dark most of the run, so I don't check my watch as often.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

We only went 5 miles this morning because Randy was still suffering from his Ultimate Frisbee injury.

Boise, ID 7:30 am

I played touch football without any shoes on last night. My ankles were a little sore this morning, but they loosened up after a mile or two. I was going to pick up the pace and really push it for the last couple of miles, but I ran into a friend about 4 miles into it. He was just heading out, so I ran with him for a few miles and enjoyed chatting.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Two runs acctually. I went on the usual MWF route with Randy, then got in the car, drove it to the shop and ran home.

Not a bad morning. Steadily speeding up through the first run, then improved each mile on the second too.

4:30 pm

2.6 miles and $235 later, I have my car back. I took off at a pretty fast pace and then decided to push it. I ended up with a 7:07 pace which is a lot faster than I usually run.

Meridian, ID 6:30 am

It's getting cooler out there. I wore gloves, two shirts and shorts this morning. Kept it slow and comfortable for most of the run.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Didn't push too hard this morning. Didn't get the pace below 8mpm until the last mile. Enjoying the cooler weather. It's right on the borderline of being uncomfortably cold.

Boise, ID 6:00 am

Went out a little earlier this morning whick kind of sucked because it was dark the whole way. Had a good run. It takes a few miles to get up to a good pace when I just roll out of bed and start running, but I finished strong. Went down to Executive/Emerald, up Maple Grove and back on Ustick.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Good run. Negative splits the whole way. Ready for the weekend.

Boise, ID 7:30 am

Really good, hard run this morning. Eight miles with a 7:32 avg. pace. Weather was overcast and 50 degrees. Can't ask for much better weather than that.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Cut it a little short this morning. Randy wasn't feeling well. But, I pushed him kind of hard keeping up negative spits. Then I ran around the block a couple of times to get my avg. pace down below 8.

Boston, MA 7:00 am

Went up around downtown, across the river and then around the common. Kept a good hard pace up and finished with a 7:43 avg. Weather was good, in the low 50s. My wife said it was 37 at home. Sometimes things work out.

Boston, MA 7:00 am

A perfect morning for a run along the Charles River. Weather was crisp, about 45 degrees with no wind. The water was glassy with a few rowers out there.

Legs felt good, not perfect, but good enough. Pushed the pace and ended up at 7:43 mpm. Now I don't want to go to work.

Boston, MA 7:30 am

Weather was still nice this morning. The storm is supposed to roll in tonight, so we'll see how the run goes tomorrow morning.

I didn't sleep well last night, but was able to put in a decent run anyway. 7:49 was my average pace.

Boston, MA 9:45 am

Well, the great weather ended last night, but the rain stopped by the time I went out running this morning. I've been feeling more and more tired as the week has worn on, so I slept in and didn't push myself too hard on the run. The wind was kind of bad too, but I went through Cambridge and back along the river. Average pace: 7:58.

Boston, MA 8:45 am

I was going to run 12 miles this morning, just to get my weekly mileage up to 50. But I got up too late to do that and the other things I wanted to do today. And I reminded myself that I'm the only one who would care or know and on Monday I'll be back at zero either way.

I ran down Boylston St. and saw the finish line of the Boston Marathon. That was cool. I'd been down that street before, but only at night. Then I found myself in the middle of a campaign rally for Gov. Deval Patrick. I went down the riverway, or watever they call in and then over to Fenway Park. I looped around the stadium and back up Commonwealth Ave. Mall.

After the run I cleaned up and went over to the Harvard - Lehigh game and sat in the cold wind watching Harvard blow a lead. Then I went to work.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Cold this morning. The thermometer read 40 when I left. Summer was nice, but I guess it's over now.

Boise, ID 7:45 am

Pace: 7:45

Not working today, so I slept in a bit and then did a ten-miler. Chilly this morning, but I dressed better for it than I did yesterday. I went up to Chinden and Maple Grove and back along McMillian. Kept a good pace. All miles were below 8 and my last mile was the fastest.

Boise, ID 6:00 am

Ran up Cloverdale to Overland. That overpass is kind of scary in the dark. Met up with Neil and ran a few miles with him and then back home. Just running and chatting. Didn't push the pace at all.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 7:59

Had a hard time getting motivated this moring. Once I was out there I was ok, but didn't really want to.

Strange thing. I've apparently been running with a penny in my shoe for two days. I saw it on Tuesday and thought, hmm I should take that out. Then on my last mile this morning I felt it rattling around in there. How I ran 15 miles or so over two days without noticing it is beyond me.

Boise, ID 6:00 am

Pace: 7:58

I planned on going slower today. I put on a podcast instead of music and took off. But I ended increasing the pace anyway a couple of miles into it. The weather was a few degrees warmer this morning, so I wore shorts. I had on two shirts, but was still a bit chilly up top.

Boise, ID 8:30 am

Pace: 7:50

I'd been running in the cold and dark of the mornings this week, so I was looking forward to going out a little later to enjoy the warmth of the sun. Just my luck it was cloudy and cold this morning. I even got rained on for a while.

I went down Edna to Maple Grove and down to Chinden. Up the hill to McMillian and back. I didn't run on the trails at Maple Grove because of the rain. Kept up a decent pace the whole way. Felt pretty good afterward.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Randy was back from hunting, so we went to the regular MWF route. It was chilly this morning, but at least the rain had stopped. Felt pretty good after taking Sunday off.

Boise, ID 6:10 am

 Pace: 8:18

Went and ran with Neil again this morning. One of these days that Cloverdale overpass is going to kill me. I'm just not sure if I'll die from the car hitting me on top, falling off the side, or a truck running me over once I hit the freeway. Rest assured, when it happens, I'll be sure and write about it in the blog.

My weight was down about 3 pounds this morning. I was 151 before the run and 148.5 when I got back. Holy crap! I haven't looked down at the scales and seen anything less than 150 in more than 20 years. The bad news is that I think it was mostly due to the fact that I didn't eat enough last night, so I was kind of dragging as I ran the last couple of miles home.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:19

A little slower this morning. No miles under 8. Cold too.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:08

A decent run, but I didn't really push it until the last mile. I'm getting kind of tired of finishing my runs in the dark. Hopefully the time change next week will help.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:28

So I'm running down the street in the dark toward Randy's house and I see someone on the other side of the street pushing a jogging stroller, so I keep going. Then the person yells my name and I realize that it's Randy. Apparently the kid was sick and his wife was up all night, so it was his turn.

Needless to say, we didn't run as fast as we usually would. Ran shorter too, but when we finished I went for another mile and a half at a faster pace. I'm going to try to run faster tomorrow.

Boise, ID 9 am

Pace: 7:24

I got up and made the kids breakfast before going out and running this morning. So I ate two waffles and then knocked off 7 miles under 7:30 per mile. It's waffle power, I tell you.

A nice morning, a little chilly but comfortable. This puts me at 200 miles for the month.

Kalispell, MT 1:00 pm

Pace: 7:30

I've been in Kalispell for about an hour and a half. I have to be to work by 3. I want to get in a run, but I don't want to get lost. So, I go to Google and map out my run carefully. I write down each of the roads I'm supposed to turn down. I'll be ok, right? Wrong. Little did I know, THEY MOVED THE ROAD! One of the roads I was supposed to turn down was gone. Disappeared. Barely a trace of evidence that there was ever a road there.

So I ended up going a few miles out of my way. My 4.5 mile run turned into an almost 7-miler. But I made it back in time. Ran strong and felt good. And it is pretty up here.

Kalispell, MT 10:45am

Pace: 7:59

A great run on a highway outside of Kalispell. I took a loop on a highway that climbs up 500+ feet to a lake, then down a little canyon back into town. Weather was great, felt strong. Got a little anxious when I thought I might be lost around mile 8, but I stayed on track. Great running through the pine trees past cabins and ranches.

I started to fatigue a bit toward the end, but was able to keep my pace down in the 7:40s over the last few miles to get my cumulative pace down to my marathon goal pace.

Kalispell, MT 10:30 am

Pace: 7:57

I ran through some farmland this morning. The sky was blue and the air was crisp. It would have been a perfect run if I hadn't gotten so little sleep last night and I hadn't lost my sunglasses and that big dog didn't chase after me. But other than that, it was great.

Kalispell, MT 10:30 am

Pace: 7:39

Ran mostly on city streets (town, village, hamlet, whatever this is). Thought it was going to be a slow one today, but started feeling it and put in a good run.

Kalispell, MT 11:00 am

Pace: 7:59

Same route as Tuesday. Same pace as Tuesday. Splits were very similar. The main difference today is that I got really cold toward the end. It was nice when I started out, but as I gained altitude the sun went away and it cooled down a lot.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:02

Cold this morning. Had a decent run. Didn't pick up the pace early enough in the last few miles to get under 8. I thought about running around the block a couple of times, but then I thought again and went inside and took a warm shower.

Boise, ID 6:10 am

Pace: 8:07

Last night I went with my wife to her workout class. Worked my prepubecent arms a bit. I was worried that I would feel sore and/or sluggish this morning, but felt pretty good.

Ran up Cloverdale and then ran with Neil for a few miles. Chatted about BYU, BSU and the state of Montana. Then I ran home.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: slow

Rainy this morning. It's hard to stay dry and cool at the same time without freezing.  Didn't push it that hard. The body was kind of achy after that workout the other night, plus with the rain I just wasn't feeling it.

I forgot to turn on the Garmin until halfway through the run, so I don't know what my pace was. Probably close to 8:30.

Meridian, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 7:58

28 degrees again this morning. It's going to be a long winter. I'm already tired of the cold.

Had a pretty good run this morning. Got the pace under 8 right at the end. Wasn't really interested in going much faster than that this time. Saturday's looking busy, so I'll probably only get one more run in this week.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 7:55

Not as chilly this morning. Started off at a pretty easy pace then picked up after about 3 miles. The last two were around 7:30.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:56

Good progression run. Started out around 8:25 and increased each mile to 7:31.

Boise, ID 6:10 am

Pace: just happy to still be alive.

The thermometer read 52 degrees, so I dressed warm up top but had on a pair of shorts. The wind wasnn't too bad starting out. It felt like those Chinook winds that would blow through the Tri Cities after a snow storm. I ran up Cloverdale and met up with Neil at the overpass.  As I was going over the freeway a bunch of cars came, so I went up on the sidewalk/curb thing. Then the wind gusted. I didn't fall to my death, but I could have.

We ran on the south side of the freeway for a couple of miles. I'm not really sure because I forgot to turn my Garmin back on. Then it started raining. On my way back down Cloverdale the rain was pelting my face and it kind of hurt.

When I was about a mile from home this van stopped beside me and looked like it was going to turn in front of me, but it didn't. Then it finally did turn and I wondered where it was going. Then I realized that it was my wife. She heard the wind shaking the house and decided to rescue me. So I rode home and got warm.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 7:49

A really good run this morning. After running the first mile in 8:14, we kept the rest of them under 8. It was nice to have a good, strong run. Weather was really nice too (nice for November).

Meridian, ID 6:10 am

Pace: 8:22

Just kept it at a comfortable pace most of the way. One of those mornings where it's hard to know how to dress. Warmish but windy. I overdressed a bit this time.

I listened to the Rich Eisen NFL podcast. His guest was Billy Bob Thornton. I think it's impossible to run fast while listening to that guy's voice. When I got to Fairview I switched over to music and ran faster for the last mile.

Boise, ID 6:30am

Pace: 7:56

Good progression run this morning. Started at a pretty slow 8:40 and sped up each mile. Final lap was 7:19.

Boise, ID 9am

Pace: A little faster than 8:32

Pretty gross weather this morning. It was snowing the wole time, kind of mixed with rain by the end of the run. That weather where no matter how warm you dress, you feel cold just because you are outside.

I went up to Maple Grove and took the trails in the wetland area. I stayed on the trail along the ridge thinking that it would go all the way to the end. It didn't. I thought I was going to have to backtrack, but I found a path down to the main trail.

I stopped at the Chevron on Chinden and got a Gatorade. I practiced some poor Garmin management because I think I had it going when I wanted it paused and paused when I wanted it going. By the time I noticed, I had lost about 40 seconds on my avg. pace.

Then I went down to the greenbelt and took it over to Eagle and back home. I ran past the YMCA and the parking lot was packed. People were parking at local businesses. It was humbling to realize that there were so many people smarter than I am.

I really started dragging during the last couple of miles. Probably not enough fuel and the extra effort navigating the mud on the greenbelt trails.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8.07

I don't think I slept very well last night. I felt really weird when I woke up and kind of felt like I was in a fog for the first 4 miles or so. It turned out to be a decent run, however. Increased the pace with each mile ending up with 7.38 on mile 6.

It's supposed to be getting colder and start snowing tonight. Supposed to run with Neil in the morning. I guess we'll find out what he's made of.

Boise, ID 6:05 am

Pace: 8:46

Running in the snow kind of slows you down. I went up Cloverdale and met up with Neil. The weather was much more comfortable than I expected. 33 degrees with no wind. We ran a few miles and then on the way back the temps started dropping and the wind picked up. The thermometer read 28 by the time I got home.

If the weather reports are correct, tomorrow morning is going to suck.

Boise, ID 10am

Pace: 8:07

Cold this morning. Temps in the teens, but I bundled up and got er done.

Boise, ID 8:20 am

Pace: 7:23

No Turkey Trot here in Boise and the girly-men at church cancelled the Turkey Bowl due to the cold weather, so I decided to run my own 10k. It was 11 degrees out, but the streets weren't as icey as they were yesterday. Also no traffic, so that was nice. I was hoofin' it. I finished 10k in 45:50 which would be my second-best.

Since I was the only one racing, I assume I won my age group.

Boise, ID 10:45am

Pace: 7:40

Runnin off the turkey. Interesting thing about today's run is that my first four miles were all at the same pace 7:44. Then I sped up a bit to finish at 7:40. That was faster than I'd planned on running, so I guess it's a good thing.

Boise, ID

6:30 am

I didn't run on Monday because I was sick. I thought I would be better today. I wasn't. So I turned around and went back home.

Cancun, Mexico 3:30 pm

Pace: 8:28

The running part of this vacation isn't off to a great start. We arrived last night and were at the hotel before I realized that I forgot to pick up my running bag at the airport. So it was sometime this afternoon before Delta delivered my gear to the hotel.

The run was kind of rough. I could tell that I'm not completely over the chest cold I've been dealing with, so during the run I started really feeling it. Coughing and having trouble getting enough air. Not quite used to the weather either, even though it wasn't really hot, in the mid-upper 70s.

Cancun, Mexico 8:12 am

Pace: 8:37

This morning's run was worse than yesterday's. Probably because it was first thing in the morning and I hadn't had a chance to clear out my lungs yet. A lot of coughing and hacking up that brown sticky stuff. I went out 3.5 miles and stopped. I waited a while to get my air back and took off again. Running back was a little better, except that somewhere along the way I got this bright idea to run on the beach. Within 100 yards I knew that it was a bad idea. So I cut through the Hilton and back to the road, completely missing the only significant downhill section of the route.

Cancun, Mexico 7:45 am

5.01 miles

Pace: 8:03

Felt really bad starting out again, but held on until I turned around at 2.5 miles and then started breathing a lot better and running stronger, finishing at a decent pace. Hopefully this means that I'm finally starting to shake this cold.

The best part of the run was the end, when I showered off at the beach showers and took a dip in the pool.

1:00 pm

3.03 miles

Pace: 9:41

Weather was kind of bad today, so we left the beach in late morning. After lunch I decided to go for a short run barefoot on the beach. It was fun, but challenging. Running in the sand is difficult and I had a head-wind. When I turned around and the wind was at my back, it was easier to run, but I then realized that the head-wind was the only thing keeping me cool.

The worst part was that the sand here isn't as pure as on some of the beaches I've been to in Hawaii and the Virgin Islands. There are a lot of small shells and shell fragments.

Apparently I stepped on one and my right big toe is now sore with a red spot on it. I'll find out tomorrow morning if it will affect my running the rest of the week.

 Cancun, Mexico 7:00 am

Pace: 7:53

Best run of the week. Still had to stop and hack a couple of times, but kept up a good pace and felt relatively good doing it. The only thing is that I think my chest cold has move northward and become a sinus problem. I had a bit of a headache right between the eyes.

The toe felt good though. I couldn't even feel it with my shoes on.

After the run I went straight to the beach (actually, I went straight to the can, then I went to the beach) and dove into the ocean. Then my wife and I hung out on the beach for a while before leaving for the airport. I wish I could have enjoyed the beach more this morning. I just kind of laid on the chair with a towel over my head hoping the headache would go away. It got kind of bad, I felt like I'd been punched in the face. Could be a long travel day.

Spanish Fork, UT 6:30 am

I ran in to work this morning. Still haven't shaken that cold. Felt really good running, when I wasn't coughing and hacking.

Boise, ID 9:30 am

Pace: 7:59

Not really feeling it this morning. I took yesterday off because I still had the cold and was considering going to the doctor. I didn't want to have to tell the doctor that I was sick, but had gone running anyway.

I didn't see a doctor and felt better today, but had a kind of sluggish run. I made Saturday morning pancakes with the kids (one bannana nut, one blueberry and one Captain Crunchberry). Usually pancakes make me run better (actually it's waffles, but isn't that the same thing?) but today they were draggin' me down. I picked up the pace a bit during the last mile to get the overall pace under 8 but never really felt good.

Boise, ID 6:30 am

Pace: 8:09

Finally got in a run with Randy. My flight wasn't scheduled until 10:30, so I was able to get out before leaving town. Turned out to be a decent workout, but started out too slow to get the pace under 8. I think the cold is finally gone. It was the first run I've had without any coughing fits. Felt really good.

This week could be interesting. Not sure how much running I'm going to be able do do up in Canada.