Road Kill

Happy Thanksgiving...

2008-11-26T01:24:00.001-05:00

I am going to put a few miles in so I can fit some extra turkey in my belly.

See Me Run...

2008-11-04T21:44:00.004-05:00

See me waving behind the big foam finger.

One of My Biggest Fans...

2008-11-04T21:22:00.002-05:00

Marathon Day Breakfast With Fred's Team

2008-11-04T16:38:00.004-05:00

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T13:20:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T13:18:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T13:07:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T13:06:00.001-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T12:56:00.001-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T12:47:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T12:38:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T12:36:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T12:26:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T12:16:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T12:07:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T12:05:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T11:59:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T11:51:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T11:45:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T11:40:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T11:20:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T11:15:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T10:52:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T10:30:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-02T10:08:00.000-05:00

Event Information:

Event:

The ING New York City Marathon

Runner:

Harvey Agosto

2008 ING New York City Marathon Alert Notification

2008-11-01T13:21:00.000-04:00

Thank you for subscribing to the 2008 INGNYC Marathon Athlete Alert. You
will receive alerts at the start, all 5k splits and from mile 16 to finish.

Have a great race day!

7 Days To Go... Too Much Nervous Energy...

2008-10-26T23:31:00.004-04:00

Seven days to go. I am nervous as hell. I have done the miles and I am confident I will finish, but in what shape I don't know. I ran the pace calculator on the Runner World website. Based on my last races I could finish the race anywhere from 3:08 to 3:18. Anything faster than 3:10 and I qualify for Boston, but I will be happy as long as I finish strong and looking good for those finishing pictures.

Anyway stay tuned on Marathon Day to see how I do. By the way for my fellow blogging runners. Good luck and have a great race. Since I have been asked, if you wish to have your blog updated real time with your race information first set-up a Mail-to-Blogger Address under E-mail on the Settings Tab of your Blogger Blog, then sign-up for the free Athlete Alert service through the Official NYC Marathon Website and add your Mail-to-Blogger Address as one of the Five e-mail addresses to send live alerts to. Your blog will be updated as you hit several key race milestones.

Marathon Start Info...

2008-10-24T22:41:00.002-04:00

After the elite women start the New York City Marathon, the race starts for the rest of us in 3 waves spaced about 20 mins apart. I am in the 1st wave Orange Start just behind the sub-elite guys which starts at 9:40 AM. This blog will automatically be updated real time with information about my marathon progress. So check and refresh frequently on race day, Nov 2.

Two Weeks to the Marathon...

2008-10-19T14:25:00.001-04:00

I did 20 miles today. Not one of my best long runs, but I completed it. One more long run like that I think. I have not decided on what mileage to do next weekend, one week before the race. Part of me thinks I should take it easy but I also think I had a couple of weeks of slacking and a 20 miler a week before the race will not hurt me.

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	79 ft
Location:	Long Island City, NY,	Elev. Gain:	+7 ft
Date:	10/19/08	Up/Downhill:	[+1250/-1243]
Time:	09:58 AM	Difficulty:	4.2 / 5.0

Weather:	COASTAL FLOOD WARNING FOR QUEENS COUNTY, NASSAU COUNTY, NY UNTIL SUN OCT 19 2008 01:00 PM EDT
	47 F temp; 48% humidity
	47 F heat index; winds NNE 15 mph

Performance

Distance:	20.20 miles
Time:	2:52:31
Speed:	7.0 mph
Pace:	8' 32 /mi
Calories:	2588

Posted from bimactive.com

Just Over Two Weeks To Go...

2008-10-17T14:20:00.002-04:00

I know I have not posted anything for a while. I have been both lazy and busy. My training got a little bit off track but I have mostly got it together the last couple of weeks. Normally I should be tapering off now but I instead plan to peak for the race. I'll do a 20 mile run tomorrow and another one next weekend (week before the race) for a total number of five 20's and at least 6 longs runs ranging from 14 to 18 miles. I think this will work-out for me since my legs are relatively fresh because of missed running days and because I did more training on the treadmill than when training for past marathons. As for fundraising I am $228 from meeting my $3000 goal commitment. I should be able to reach the goal before the deadline.

Feels Great to Be on the Road...

2008-09-16T22:12:00.001-04:00

Good run this evening. Feeling better than yesterday. Running is the best therapy.

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	78 ft
Location:	New York City, NY	Elev. Gain:	+9 ft
Date:	09/16/08	Up/Downhill:	[+524/-515]
Time:	08:16 PM	Difficulty:	2.9 / 5.0

Weather:	A Few Clouds
	66 F temp; 58% humidity
	66 F heat index; winds Vrbl 3

Performance

Distance:	8.04 miles
Time:	0:58:00
Speed:	8.3 mph
Pace:	7' 13 /mi
Calories:	1002

Posted from bimactive.com

I Love Running But Sometimes...

2008-09-15T21:45:00.002-04:00

I love to run. I have never liked any other sport more than I do running. I dream of someday not having to work and training full time just to see how fast I could get. However, I sometimes cannot motivate to get out the door. We all have those days. Lately they have been from frequent than I would like. I feel drained. To be fair, the last couple of weeks have been tough. First, we were sucked into the whole getting our oldest daughter into nursery school in the city insanity. Second, at work in addition to my work I am doing the work of another attorney who is out on maternity leave. Finally, worse of all we had a death in the family last (Sept 11 of all days). Tomorrow I plan to get back on the road. I am committed to running the marathon for Fred's Team and I am in need of the therapeutic effect of running. I will also write more; it helps me keep focus on the finish line.

Evening Run...

2008-08-27T22:53:00.001-04:00

Not a big fan of evening runs. I'm usually tired at the end if the day and I really just want to watch tv when I get home. Sometimes you just have to run when you can. Anyway here are my stats.

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	77 ft
Location:	New York City, NY	Elev. Gain:	+6 ft
Date:	08/27/08	Up/Downhill:	[+557/-551]
Time:	08:37 PM	Difficulty:	2.9 / 5.0

Weather:	Fair
	67 F temp; 50% humidity
	67 F heat index; winds Vrbl 5

Performance

Distance:	8.02 miles
Time:	0:56:30
Speed:	8.5 mph
Pace:	7' 03 /mi
Calories:	1010

Posted from bimactive.com

Bad training days and getting back on the plan...

2008-08-24T10:47:00.001-04:00

So I did not run during my trip to Chicago. I skipped my weekend long run and in sum had a poor training for the week. I only logged 14 miles. Definitely not where I want to be. The running week ending today started the same way. However at the end I got my act together and managed a somewhat decent long run and a respectable 42 miles for the week.

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	86 ft
Location:	New York City, NY	Elev. Gain:	+3 ft
Date:	08/24/08	Up/Downhill:	[+895/-892]
Time:	05:04 AM	Difficulty:	3.6 / 5.0

Weather:	Mostly Cloudy
	69 F temp; 81% humidity
	69 F heat index; winds Vrbl 3

Performance

Distance:	17.32 miles	Goal:	7' 30 min/mi pace
Time:	2:18:50	Goal:	7' 30 min/mi pace
Speed:	7.5 mph	Attained:	94%
Pace:	8' 01 /mi
Calories:	2228

Posted from bimactive.com

Running During a Buisness Trip...

2008-08-14T18:08:00.003-04:00

I always take my running gear when I go on business trips, but most of the time I actually don't manage to get a run in. The problem usually is I am tired from getting there and by the time I get to the hotel at the end of the day, I am exhausted. It is also no help that I have a hard time getting any sleep on the typical hotel bed. I am currently on a two-day trip to my company's HQ near Chicago. As usual, I have my running stuff. Unlike other times I am determined to get my run in. Maybe a 10 miler in the morning. I'll report if I get on the road.

When not hitting the road...

2008-08-10T08:06:00.003-04:00

When I'm not hitting the pavement making road kill I am performing my daddy duties.

Yesterday's Long Training Run

2008-08-10T08:04:00.001-04:00

I am working on improving my training pace on these long runs. My goal is to be training at a 7:30 min/mile page on long runs by Marathon time.

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	79 ft
Location:	New York City, NY	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	08/09/08	Up/Downhill:	[+803/-803]
Time:	05:20 AM	Difficulty:	3.4 / 5.0

Weather:	Fair
	64 F temp; 72% humidity
	64 F heat index; winds Vrbl 6

Performance

Distance:	13.90 miles	Goal:	7' 30 min/mi pace for 13 miles
Time:	1:46:55	Goal:	7' 30 min/mi pace for 13 miles
Speed:	7.8 mph	Attained:	102%
Pace:	7' 41 /mi
Calories:	1804

Map

Posted from bimactive.com

Longest Training Run to Date...

2008-08-10T08:01:00.001-04:00

Last weeks 20 mile training run stats.

Performance

Distance:	20.44 miles	Goal:	20 miles
Time:	2:48:22	Goal:	20 miles
Speed:	7.3 mph	Attained:	102%
Pace:	8' 14 /mi
Calories:	2623

Map

Posted from bimactive.com

Lazy days of Summer...

2008-08-01T09:48:00.002-04:00

I have been lazy the last two weeks, in my blogging and in my running. I have done the minimum mileage for two weeks (80) that I set as a goal. Half of it on the treadmill. Anyway I plan to get back on track this weekend with a 20 mile run Saturday. For Saturday's run I will join many others in Central Park for one of two (I think) long runs sponsored by the NYRRC. It will also be my first run with my Fred's Team mates. I'll try to take some pictures.

LONG Run- July 26

2008-07-26T15:43:00.001-04:00

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	87 ft
Location:	New York City, NY	Elev. Gain:	+3 ft
Date:	07/26/08	Up/Downhill:	[+859/-856]
Time:	04:51 AM	Difficulty:	3.6 / 5.0

Weather:	Fair
	72 F temp; 63% humidity
	72 F heat index; winds Calm

Performance

Distance:	17.02 miles	Goal:	18 miles
Time:	2:21:50	Goal:	18 miles
Speed:	7.2 mph	Attained:	95%
Pace:	8' 20 /mi
Calories:	2186

Map

Posted from bimactive.com

LONG Run- July 19

2008-07-20T15:37:00.001-04:00

Second long run since the official start of marathon training. I think it was a high quality run, but the heat made it a tough one. I carried 32 oz of GU Sports drink with me in addition to two tubes of GU Gel. I still registered about 5-6 lbs of fluid loss. I am feeling rather well; not too sore.

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	83 ft
Location:	New York City, NY	Elev. Gain:	+3 ft
Date:	07/19/08	Up/Downhill:	[+915/-912]
Time:	05:09 AM	Difficulty:	4.4 / 5.0

Weather:	Fair with Haze
	78 F temp; 66% humidity
	80 F heat index; winds W 7

Performance

Distance:	15.75 miles	Goal:	16 miles
Time:	2:06:38	Goal:	16 miles
Speed:	7.5 mph	Attained:	98%
Pace:	8' 02 /mi
Calories:	2022

Map

Posted from bimactive.com

Run- July 18

2008-07-20T15:30:00.001-04:00

Performance

Distance:	4.00 miles
Time:	0:28:13
Speed:	8.5 mph
Pace:	7' 03 /mi
Calories:	541

Posted from bimactive.com

Run- July 17

2008-07-20T15:29:00.001-04:00

Performance

Distance:	6.40 miles
Time:	0:45:00
Speed:	8.6 mph
Pace:	7' 01 /mi
Calories:	864

Posted from bimactive.com

Run- July 16

2008-07-16T22:06:00.001-04:00

Performance

Distance:	7.85 miles	Goal:	6 miles
Time:	0:58:30	Goal:	6 miles
Speed:	8.1 mph	Attained:	131%
Pace:	7' 27 /mi
Calories:	1008

Posted from bimactive.com

Run- July 15

2008-07-15T11:16:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I took a day off to recover from Sunday's run. I had a nice run in the park today.

I looked at the Boston Marathon qualifying times for my age 3:10. I wonder if I can train hard enough and make the cut this year.

Performance

Distance:	7.92 miles	Goal:	16 miles
Time:	0:57:46	Goal:	16 miles
Speed:	8.2 mph	Attained:	50%
Pace:	7' 17 /mi
Calories:	1008

Map

Posted from bimactive.com

Run- July 13

2008-07-13T09:04:00.001-04:00

Performance

Distance:	14.24 miles	Goal:	14 miles
Time:	1:54:51	Goal:	14 miles
Speed:	7.5 mph	Attained:	101%
Pace:	8' 03 /mi
Calories:	1815

Map

Posted from bimactive.com

Run- July 12

2008-07-13T09:03:00.001-04:00

Performance

Distance:	6.91 miles	Goal:	6 miles
Time:	0:53:13	Goal:	6 miles
Speed:	7.8 mph	Attained:	115%
Pace:	7' 42 /mi
Calories:	918

Map

Posted from bimactive.com

Today's Run- July 11

2008-07-11T08:24:00.002-04:00

Finally got out and ran in the park. The temperature and humidity levels were perfect for the morning run. There was a lot of activity in the park, more than typical at 5:30 AM. Usually it is us runners, bikers and the occasional person walking their dog. Today the activity centered in the preparations for tomorrow's Bon Jovi concert on the Great Lawn. The Park Drive will be closed tomorrow between 72nd and 86 Streets so maybe I should run on one of the river paths.

Activity

Route:	Central Park Loop- Home S	Elev. Avg:	76 ft
Location:	New York City, NY	Elev. Gain:	+13 ft
Date:	07/11/08	Up/Downhill:	[+501/-488]
Time:	05:30 AM	Difficulty:	2.8 / 5.0

Weather:	Fair
	67 F temp; 65% humidity
	67 F heat index; winds NE 3

Performance

Distance:	8.03 miles
Time:	1:00:09
Speed:	8.0 mph
Pace:	7' 29 /mi
Calories:	1055

Map

New York City, New York

Posted from bimactive.com

Today's Run- July 9

2008-07-09T22:17:00.001-04:00

Third day in a row running on a treadmill. I hope to be running outside tomorrow and just in time for a break in the weather.

Performance

Distance:	6.38 miles
Time:	0:45:00
Speed:	8.5 mph
Pace:	7' 03 /mi
Calories:	890

Posted from bimactive.com

Thanks for the Shout-out...

2008-07-09T13:49:00.004-04:00

Today I received a most generous and unsolicited shout-out from Dawn at Myveryownrunningblog.blogspot.com. Dawn is an old friend who is running this year's NYC Marathon with Team Reeve and raising $10,000 in honor of her dad who suffered spinal cord injury many years ago. Check out her blog (its funny) to find out how you can support her.

Today's Run- July 8

2008-07-08T13:59:00.002-04:00

Another treadmill run at the gym. I will confess, I find running on a treadmill much harder than running outside. One, I always feel there is not enough ventilation at the gym. I am always gasping for air. Two, having to keep a constant unchanging pace is hard to do. I always feel like constantly adjusting and readjusting my pace as I go along on a run. Lastly, it is boring as hell; there is nothing to see. Anyway today I felt hotter inside the gym than I think I would have been outside running in the 90 degree temperature.

Performance

Distance:	6.15 miles
Time:	0:45:00
Speed:	8.2 mph
Pace:	7' 19 /mi
Calories:	789

Posted from bimactive.com

Today's Run- July 7

2008-07-07T19:55:00.001-04:00

Because of time constraints I find myself running on a treadmill a lot more often than I desire. For half of this week I am alone with my two girls so running outside is not an option. I make due on a treadmill at the gym near work when I can. Here are today's stats.

Performance

Distance:	6.50 miles
Time:	0:46:00
Speed:	8.5 mph
Pace:	7' 04 /mi
Calories:	807

Posted from bimactive.com

July 4th Parade Pictures

2008-07-07T09:55:00.002-04:00

Here are some picks from the 4th of July parade in East Longmeadow, MA where I spent most the weekend. It was rainy and I got zero runs in but it was relaxing. One thing I don't get is the connection between Independence Day and the clown in the picture above.

Happy Independence Day...

2008-07-03T15:23:00.002-04:00

We are heading to Massachusetts for the 4th of July for some traditional Independence Day parading and BBQing. I hope for at least one good run while I am up there. I will post pictures and details when I return to NYC. Happy 4th everybody.

Additional Father's Day Pictures

2008-06-29T12:42:00.001-04:00

Marathon Training Begins... Wii

2008-06-28T15:35:00.003-04:00

So this is the first week of formal marathon according to the training schedule provided by our team coach. I will try to share the training schedule as soon as I figure out how to copy and paste a PDF document to this blog. In any case the training program includes hill and speed work and at least one day off every week. It is also provides for one or two of cross training. It is of cross training (XT) that I want to talk about. I really don't know what to do for those XT training days. Originally I thought well on XT days I'll just run really slow. I have sought advice from other runners about it. Some tell me that they swim on XT days. Others get on their bike and do a couple of loops around the park. There are a few roller bladders among them. The problem for me with those choices is that I can swim but don't have access to a pool; I don't have a bike and roller blading is only an option if I intend to spend most of my time working on developing techniques on how to bounce of the pavement. So I decided that on my XT days I will spend some time using my Nintendo Wii and the Wii Fit. The Hoola-Hoop workout on the Wii will be the key to my success this November.

First Fred's Team Meeting...

2008-06-26T20:49:00.003-04:00

Last night was the kick-off meeting/reception for the 2008 NYC Marathon Fred's Team. It was held at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Center. I was a little late (wanted to get started on a load of laundry before the meeting). A generously sized room was packed with individuals committed to running the marathon and raising funds for Cancer research. I was impressed by how large the group is. I really excited about training with and getting to know the people in my team.

Father's Day Race... Bloody Mess...

2008-06-15T23:43:00.003-04:00

Today on Father's Day I decided to partly celebrate by running the Father's Day Fight Against Prostate Cancer 5 Mile race in Central Park. Conditions at race time 8:30 AM were warm and humid (very nasty). It was so nasty that we were warned several times to make sure not to push ourselves to hard and if we felt ill to stop and seek medical attention from one of the many emergency personnel along the race route. I have to admit that this being only the third race of my comeback the repeated warnings made me doubt that I could have a strong race. So the race started and I pushed hard and I was able to perform better than I expected. I survived with a time of 32:33 for a 6:31 minute pace. However I was a bloody mess at the end (see pics above). The red on the white section of my bib and shirt is not shirt dye.

I am on the Marathon...

2008-06-06T23:03:00.002-04:00

It became official yesterday, I will be running the 2008 New York City Marathon. Well at least my entry to the race has been formally accepted. Of course it is contingent on staying healthy until the race and I have to do the training. The most important contingency is that I have to raise the $3000 I pledged to join Team Fred and have a spot to run the Marathon. So in the next few weeks and months I will be increasing my training and my request for support, so if you are reading my blog please check my Team Fred fundraising site by clicking on the link on this page.

Injury Free Running...

2008-06-03T09:39:00.002-04:00

Speaking about staying injury free. I hate to stretch before a run. I hate to stretch after a run. I hate to stretch at any time. Despite my hate of stretching I have stayed injury free during the few thousand miles I have logged since I first put on the sneaks to run along the East River of NYC eleven years ago. That time is coming to an end. A couple nights ago, while running in Central Park and making some mile splits reminiscent of those of my peak running era, I felt a sharp pain on my left thigh near the groin area. I kept running since it was no time to stop in the creepiness of the dark park. I had pulled my groin on that side. I was fortunate that two days of rest was all it took, but lesson learned. I shall not run in the park when its creepy out just in case I get injured. Seriously I will start to do some stretching.

Warm At Last... Good and Bad

2008-05-27T22:44:00.003-04:00

May is nearly over and consistent warm weather has finally arrived. We had some warm days in April and on the early weeks of May, but between 5:00 and 5:30 in the morning when I usually run it was still nippy. While the warm weather makes it easier to get going in the morning when it is easy to find an excuse to skip a run and stay in bed, the heat can make your legs feel like rubber and make it hard to breath before the half way point of the run. Humidity is the real killer. When its high the sweat has no where to go makes it feel like your running through warm soup. All you can do is to stay hydrated and to wear sweat wicking clothing.

Steady Improvements...

2008-04-29T09:26:00.003-04:00

Since starting running I have lost a total of about 18 lbs and have improved my running pace from an average of 8:30 minutes per mile to about an average training pace of 7:30 minutes per mile. My total weekly mileage has increased from about 16 miles when I first started running to an average of 40-50 miles. I am so fast now that the camera lens has a hard time capturing my image (see above). I have not raced since March, but in May I plan to run the Wall Street 5k on May 20th and a possible 10k on Saturday, May 17th. Stay Tuned.

Updates to Come...

2008-04-23T10:04:00.000-04:00

To my readers I'll be updating the blog soon.

Lance Armstrong beat me by 7 minutes...

2008-04-04T20:40:00.003-04:00

I was looking through the pictures posted on the New York Road Runners Club for last Sunday's race and I found a picture of Mr. Lance Armstrong at the event. The Lance Armstrong. So I did a little checking and he competed at the race. He beat me by 7 minutes. I first thought, not bad after all he is a professional athlete. Now I think I got a challenge on my hands. Beat Lance!

Fund Raising Week 1

2008-04-04T20:36:00.002-04:00

So at the beginning of the first week of fundraising for Team Fred (Cancer) friends and co-workers have contributed $200. I am very grateful for their contributions and I look forward to receiving contributions from others. Thanks.

Todays Training Run...

2008-04-02T21:44:00.001-04:00

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	0 ft
Location:	--	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	04/02/08	Up/Downhill:	[+0/-0]
Time:	11:45 AM	Difficulty:	1.9 / 5.0

Performance

Distance:	6.38 miles
Time:	0:45:00
Speed:	8.5 mph
Pace:	7' 03 /mi
Calories:	890

Posted from bimactive.com

Training for April 1st

2008-04-02T21:42:00.001-04:00

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	0 ft
Location:	--	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	04/01/08	Up/Downhill:	[+0/-0]
Time:	12:45 PM	Difficulty:	1.9 / 5.0

Performance

Distance:	6.38 miles
Time:	0:45:00
Speed:	8.5 mph
Pace:	7' 03 /mi
Calories:	890

Posted from bimactive.com

Fund Raising For Cancer

2008-04-01T21:07:00.002-04:00

When I first started this blog I mentioned that one of my goals was make the running of the marathon more than just about me. So today I signed up to join Team Fred and raise money to support The Aubrey Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Making the decision to compete in a marathon was a big one, and training for the race so far has been grueling. However, I know that any challenge I face in completing this personal goal is put into perspective when I consider what children with cancer face every day. I hope that you join me as I try to raise $3000 for this cause. I have included a link to my fund raising page on this blog. Thanks.

Scotland Run 10K

2008-03-30T20:32:00.003-04:00

It was a beautiful morning today. Sunny with light winds an a steady 37 F. Perfect early spring weather. There were at least a couple of thousand people running today in celebration of Scotland Day. Some showed their Scottish pride by wearing kilts during the run. It was a great run. Along the route we were some times accompanied by the sounds of bagpipes. My time for the 10k was 42:33. Which placed me at 376 overall. I think it was a very good effort for only my second race in a while and also considering I ran almost 15 miles the day before. I don't have pictures of the event yet. Hopefully some will surface.

Long Run Stats...

2008-03-29T08:18:00.001-04:00

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	78 ft
Location:	New York City, NY	Elev. Gain:	+13 ft
Date:	03/29/08	Up/Downhill:	[+849/-836]
Time:	05:28 AM	Difficulty:	4.2 / 5.0

Weather:	Fair
	33 F temp; 55% humidity
	33 F heat index; winds Vrbl 7

Performance

Distance:	14.15 miles	Goal:	12 miles
Time:	2:00:23	Goal:	12 miles
Speed:	7.1 mph	Attained:	117%
Pace:	8' 30 /mi
Calories:	1879

Map

Posted from bimactive.com

Long-run Prep...

2008-03-28T21:19:00.006-04:00

I just did a quick equipment check for the long run this morning. The temperature for the run (5:00 AM) is expected to be 32 C. I'll have to run in my winter gear this late in March (long sleeve shirt, running tights and the necessary shorts). I'll also bring my water/fuel belt full with of course water and Clif Shot Blocks for fuel. The final necessary prep item is of course the Vaseline to prevent chafing from friction (kind of gross but a necessary item in a runners supply kit).

Friday's Run...

2008-03-28T21:05:00.001-04:00

This is today's work-out data. The plan for this weekend is to run 15 miles tomorrow and a 10k Race on Sunday.

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	0 ft
Location:	--	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	03/28/08	Up/Downhill:	[+0/-0]
Time:	11:45 AM	Difficulty:	1.9 / 5.0

Performance

Distance:	6.38 miles
Time:	0:45:00
Speed:	8.5 mph
Pace:	7' 03 /mi
Calories:	890

Posted from bimactive.com

Night Run At the Park...

2008-03-26T22:12:00.001-04:00

Here are the stats of tonight's run in Central Park.

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	74 ft
Location:	New York City, NY	Elev. Gain:	+7 ft
Date:	03/26/08	Up/Downhill:	[+531/-524]
Time:	08:03 PM	Difficulty:	2.9 / 5.0

Weather:	Fair
	54 F temp; 32% humidity
	54 F heat index; winds Calm

Performance

Distance:	8.10 miles	Goal:	7' 30 min/mi pace for 6 miles
Time:	1:03:33	Goal:	7' 30 min/mi pace for 6 miles
Speed:	7.7 mph	Attained:	115%
Pace:	7' 50 /mi
Calories:	1078

Map

Posted from bimactive.com

Latest Run...

2008-03-26T00:30:00.001-04:00

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	0 ft
Location:	--	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	03/25/08	Up/Downhill:	[+0/-0]
Time:	09:00 PM	Difficulty:	1.9 / 5.0

Performance

Distance:	6.00 miles
Time:	0:42:00
Speed:	8.6 mph
Pace:	7' 00 /mi
Calories:	840

Posted from bimactive.com

Easter Sunday Run...

2008-03-23T21:43:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter. I am spending the holiday with my sister-in-law and her family in Sturbridge, MA. I told them this frigid morning that I was going to go for a Six Mile Easter Egg hunt. Funny thing was I did not find any eggs but ended with a good run. Later on we feasted on ham, potatoes, lasagna and other goodies. My contribution to the feast was blueberry french toast which was well received by everyone.

A week from today I intend to participate in my second race of the season, the Scotland Run 10K.

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	766 ft
Location:	Sturbridge, MA	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	03/23/08	Up/Downhill:	[+626/-626]
Time:	07:08 AM	Difficulty:	4.3 / 5.0

Weather:	Fair
	23 F temp; 39% humidity
	23 F heat index; winds W 15

Performance

Distance:	5.72 miles	Goal:	6 miles
Time:	0:47:35	Goal:	6 miles
Speed:	7.2 mph	Attained:	95%
Pace:	8' 19 /mi
Calories:	766

Map

Posted from bimactive.com

Happy Easter.

2008-03-21T14:11:00.001-04:00

Here is today's work-out stats. Happy Easter.
Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	0 ft
Location:	--	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	03/21/08	Up/Downhill:	[+0/-0]
Time:	12:00 PM	Difficulty:	1.9 / 5.0

Performance

Distance:	6.33 miles
Time:	0:45:00
Speed:	8.5 mph
Pace:	7' 06 /mi
Calories:	798

Posted from bimactive.com

Smokin' Q

2008-03-21T11:25:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we tried-out a BBQ place that just opened in the Upper East Side. The place is called Smokin' Q. The food was amazing. I had a pulled pork platter with fries and baked beans, and washed is down with a complimentary bottle of beer (only during happy hour). I intended to go to the gym during the evening but I was still full from dinner. It was worth it though. Here is their info if you'd like to try them.

Smokin' Q
206 East 63rd Street
New York, NY 10021
(212) 355-7000

My First True Long Run...

2008-03-19T07:21:00.001-04:00

Here are the stats of my first true long run in a long time. I felt pretty good while running. One confession, I did the entire run without bringing water or stopping to take a drink during the run. My old running friends would be upset about this. It is not wise or healthy. Next time I will make sure I do the proper thing and bring water with me for the run.

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	77 ft
Location:	Long Island City, NY	Elev. Gain:	+6 ft
Date:	03/16/08	Up/Downhill:	[+964/-958]
Time:	08:42 AM	Difficulty:	4.1 / 5.0

Weather:	Overcast
	40 F temp; 78% humidity
	40 F heat index; winds NE 5

Performance

Distance:	14.52 miles
Time:	1:56:37
Speed:	7.5 mph
Pace:	8' 01 /mi
Calories:	1909

Map

Posted from bimactive.com

More Pictures From My First Race

2008-03-19T07:15:00.003-04:00

This picture was taken as I was about 200 meters from the finish line. I love this action shot.

This was taken just after I crossed the finish. It looks like I am doing a celebratory dance.

Updates Coming Soon

2008-03-18T22:34:00.001-04:00

I have been traveling for work and have also been away for vacation but I will be posting updates soon.

Marathon Sign-up

2008-02-26T13:22:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, I officially and formally submitted my application to run the marathon. 26.2 miles of pain, Yes! Running is a most interesting activity. No matter how many training miles I put in, pain and discomfort is a part of every single run. Sometimes it only makes sense at the end of the run when you can see the end and are overcome by a sense euphoric accomplishment. This sense is strongest at the end of a marathon. I can hardly wait for marathon day to come.

Today's Workout

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	74 ft
Location:	New York City, NY	Elev. Gain:	+3 ft
Date:	02/26/08	Up/Downhill:	[+580/-577]
Time:	05:04 AM	Difficulty:	3.5 / 5.0

Weather:	A Few Clouds
	40 F temp; 50% humidity
	40 F heat index; winds Calm

Performance

Distance:	9.86 miles	Goal:	10 miles
Time:	1:18:51	Goal:	10 miles
Speed:	7.5 mph	Attained:	98%
Pace:	7' 59 /mi
Calories:	1315

Map

Posted from bimactive.com

First Race: Al Gordon Snowflake 4 Mile

2008-02-23T19:49:00.001-05:00

My first race in 4 years (I think). It was cold, wet and I felt like roadkill at the end. I loved every second of it.

(Due to inclement weather the race was deemed a fun run and it was not scored, but it was a race to me.)

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	86 ft
Location:	New York City, NY	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	02/23/08	Up/Downhill:	[+173/-173]
Time:	09:30 AM	Difficulty:	2.2 / 5.0

Weather:	Overcast
	31 F temp; 81% humidity
	31 F heat index; winds N 5

Performance

Distance:	4.00 miles
Time:	0:28:00
Speed:	8.6 mph
Pace:	6' 59 /mi
Calories:	560

Map

Posted from bimactive.com

Gym Floor and Feet...

2008-02-21T13:48:00.002-05:00

A picture of my feet, shoes and the floor of the men's locker room of the gym near work.

The Places I Run...

2008-02-21T13:24:00.002-05:00

E. 72nd Street Entrance to Central Park

If you don't know this yet, Central Park NYC is one of the best places to run in the world. It is beautiful, safe and can provide a challenge even for more experienced runners. I am fortunate to live close enough to the park to be able to routinely squeeze in a run before leaving for work in the mornings. This time of the year, it is hard to enjoy the park scenery since as you can see from the picture above it is still dark when I go out for my run. Sunrise happens as I am finishing my run. Sometimes I can't make it to the park in the morning and instead I run on the treadmill at a gym near where I work during my lunch break.

MY Latest Workout

Activity

Route:	Treadmill	Elev. Avg:	0 ft
Location:	--	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	02/21/08	Up/Downhill:	[+0/-0]
Time:	11:45 AM	Difficulty:	1.9 / 5.0

Performance

Distance:	6.38 miles
Time:	0:45:00
Speed:	8.5 mph
Pace:	7' 03 /mi
Calories:	900

Posted from bimactive.com

Four Days To Race Day...

2008-02-19T20:48:00.006-05:00

If anyone out there reads this blog you might have noticed that I have started sharing information about my workouts, including details such as the running route and my performance during the workout. Hopefully this will help me (and you) track my progress as it gets closer to the NYC Marathon. I will also start posting pictures from races and from training runs.

Saturday, February 15 (Run- Central Park NYC)

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	78 ft
Location:	Long Island City, NY	Elev. Gain:	+6 ft
Date:	02/17/08	Up/Downhill:	[+511/-505]
Time:	05:47 AM	Difficulty:	3.6 / 5.0

Weather:	Fair
	32 F temp; 60% humidity
	32 F heat index; winds Vrbl 5

Performance

Distance:	8.05 miles	Goal:	7' 30 min/mi pace for 6 miles
Time:	1:04:23	Goal:	7' 30 min/mi pace for 6 miles
Speed:	7.5 mph	Attained:	114%
Pace:	8' 00 /mi
Calories:	1118

Posted from bimactive.com

Saturday, February 16 Run @ 5:39 AM

2008-02-16T07:27:00.002-05:00

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	75 ft
Location:	New York City, NY	Elev. Gain:	+17 ft
Date:	02/16/08	Up/Downhill:	[+538/-521]
Time:	05:39 AM	Difficulty:	4.0 / 5.0

Weather:	Fair
	24 F temp; 49% humidity
	24 F heat index; winds Vrbl 5

Performance

Distance:	8.07 miles	Goal:	7' 30 min/mi pace for 6 miles
Time:	1:04:15	Goal:	7' 30 min/mi pace for 6 miles
Speed:	7.5 mph	Attained:	114%
Pace:	7' 57 /mi
Calories:	1078

Posted from bimactive.com

My Latest Work Out Data

2008-02-15T09:24:00.001-05:00

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	76 ft
Location:	New York City, NY	Elev. Gain:	+13 ft
Date:	02/15/08	Up/Downhill:	[+501/-488]
Time:	05:29 AM	Difficulty:	3.5 / 5.0

Weather:	Fair
	35 F temp; 56% humidity
	35 F heat index; winds SW 12 G 21

Performance

Distance:	8.03 miles	Goal:	7' 30 min/mi pace for 6 miles
Time:	1:05:43	Goal:	7' 30 min/mi pace for 6 miles
Speed:	7.3 mph	Attained:	112%
Pace:	8' 11 /mi
Calories:	1072

Map

Elevation (ft)

Pace (min/mile)

Splits

Mile	Pace (min/mile)		Speed (mph)		Elevation Gain
Mile	actual	+/- avg	actual	+/- avg	Elevation Gain
1	8' 20	+0' 09	7.2	-0.1	+52 ft
2	7' 58	-0' 13	7.5	+0.2	+43 ft
3	7' 48	-0' 23	7.7	+0.3	-59 ft
4	8' 42	+0' 31	6.9	-0.4	+7 ft
5	8' 28	+0' 17	7.1	-0.3	+56 ft
6	7' 54	-0' 17	7.6	+0.3	-53 ft
7	7' 45	-0' 26	7.7	+0.4	+13 ft
8	8' 32	+0' 21	7.0	-0.3	-39 ft
end	8' 20	+0' 09	7.2	-0.1	-6 ft
Versus average of 8' 11 min/mile

Posted from bimactive.com

Happy St. Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T10:00:00.001-05:00

Countdown to the 2008 NYC Marathon Begins...

2008-02-13T15:03:00.003-05:00

I checked the NYC Marathon website today and for the first time I saw the official countdown to the 2008 race. As of time of this posting, the countdown stands at 262 Days 16 Hours 52 Minutes. Applications for the race will become available starting on February 25.

Long Run Non Run...

2008-02-12T10:13:00.000-05:00

The planned long run for this last weekend which I was so nervous about did not happen. I wish injury was to blame or that extreme weather was the culprit. I can't even blame it on some personal matter taking priority. The truth is I completely freaked out. Training for a marathon is almost as much mental as it is physical. To endure the physical demands of training, which some times involves running long mileage for hours at a time, one has to be mentally tough. I am not sure whether I am physically ready for long training runs yet, but one this is for sure I was not mentally ready this weekend to do it. That is something I'll have to work on. I think confidence will come through consistent weekly mileage and weekend racing.

The day before the long run...

2008-02-08T17:19:00.000-05:00

Less than 24 hours to go before my attempt to complete my first long training run in many years. I am actually kind of nervous. I am afraid of not being able to complete the run and being extremely depressed about it. I'll try to go through my old pre-long run day routine which involves making sure I am well hydrated prior to the run and to have a substantial carb rich meal the night before. The plan for the actual run is to get up at 4:45 AM and be out of the apartment by 5:00 AM. Depending on how I feel after the first couple of miles I'll decide whether I will attempt to do 12 miles or stick to the original plan and only do 10 miles. I think the toughest challenge is to figure out what pace I should keep to be able to complete the distance.

Building Up to a Long Run and Racing

2008-02-05T14:34:00.000-05:00

We are half-way through the first full week of February and I am starting to think about participating in a road race, the first in at least four years. I find it remarkable that just a few weeks ago I was having difficulty running on the treadmill for Thirty minutes without having to stop or start walking. Today I am able to run at least Forty-Five minutes at a healthy pace of 7:30 per mile without having to slow down or stop.

With the progress I have made in mind I looked at the NYRRC racing calendar for upcoming races that would provide a challenge but not kill me, and I decided on the Al Gordon 4 Mile race on February 23 in Central Park. I am all signed up for it, but before race day I will attempt at least two 10 mile long training runs. I will attempt the first long run this coming Saturday. I shall report on how that goes. Stay-tuned.

New York Giants Superbowl Champs...

2008-02-05T14:32:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the New York Giants for a historic Superbowl win.

Training Update 1

2008-02-02T11:53:00.000-05:00

When I started this blog less than a month ago I was running maybe an average of 10-12 miles per week and at best had been averaging that kind mileage for only a few weeks prior. Before that it is safe to say that my entire mileage for all of 2007 was at most 40 miles. Since my first post on this blog I have run a total of 89.9 miles or by another metric I have run 12 hours 7 minutes and 5 seconds. I have run at least 5 miles a day for 14 of the last 17 days. I have updated the most important piece of running equipment. I have retired my old Nike running shoes (probably had 300 miles on them) and started running on a brand new pair of Brooks Axiom 2 shoes. Finally I expect to incorporate long runs to my weekly training starting next weekend with a goal of participating in my first road race in 3.5 years by the end February.

Cancer...

2008-01-24T14:54:00.000-05:00

I will be running the 2008 NYC Marathon for cancer research and treatment. The decision to pick this as a cause to represent was not too hard for me. I have had an awareness of cancer since when I was a young child. My father is an oncology specialist in children and I remember him talking about his frustration sometimes about being able to help his young patients. Cancer has also afflicted friends and members of my family. My mother was diagnosed and successfully treated for basal cell carcinoma which is a highly treatable form of skin cancer. I have a friend whose best friend's father is suffering from pancreatic cancer. Another friend survived cancer when all odds were against her. I have one aunt that died of leukemia my senior year of college, and my mom has countless numbers of cousins, aunts and uncles that have died of or survived some kind of cancer. Most recently my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I believe some day we will defeat this disease but it will require the help of private citizens to do it. I'd like to do my part. I will be running for my friends and family who have been touched by cancer and for all of its victims.

Old Records Erased... New Records Made

2008-01-23T13:06:00.000-05:00

It seems like decades ago (7 years ago actually) when I was a member of the New York Roadrunners Club ("NYRRC") and of the Central Park Track Club. I used to race all the time. You could find me almost every weekend running @ anything from a 5K in Central Park to one of the half-marathon races in one of New York City's boroughs. And I was fast too (for a complete amateur). I used to routinely place in the top 10% in my age group. That history is gone. My personal records no longer exist and can no longer be retrieved. When I first thought of it, I was like this sucks. When I think of the blood (runner's bleeding nipple syndrome) and sweat I put in to all those races, it is unfortunate that is all gone. But then I came to surprising realization I can do it all over again. I get set new records and see the gradual improvement in my racing times, without agonizing with comparisons to myself from years ago. So I have rejoined the NYRRC and I plan to make my racing debut in about 4 weeks, so stay tuned.

Go Giants....

2008-01-21T10:51:00.001-05:00

Probably the only thing in common between football and long distance running (as far as sports go) is that they both involve "running". For example your typical long distance runner tends to be lean and football players, well you know they are a different body type. I guess it is possible to run into a long distance runner who happens to be the size of a football player, but I think you'll have a better chance of running into one of the fabled NYC sewer crocodiles while running cross town on 72nd Street on the way to Central Park.

I had the pleasure of enjoying both sports yesterday evening. Most of my running since I started this blog has been on the treadmill. One reason has been avoiding the winter weather outside (getting back into running shape is already enough of a challenge), but the most important reason is that it is easier for me to work running on a treadmill into my hectic schedule. In any case as most of you know, yesterday the New York Giants played the Green Bay Packers for the NFC Championship and the right to face the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. If you watched it, you know that it was one exciting game with a nail biting finish. I was able to enjoy the second half and the overtime ending while jogging on the treadmill. I was huffing and groaning more about the game than I did about the run. In fact I was so fixated with the game with the hope the Giants would pull the upset that I forgot I was running on the treadmill at all, in fact I started to imagine that I was in the game carrying the football in a break-out run to a Giants touchdown. Go Giants...

TGIF

2008-01-18T13:38:00.000-05:00

Jack Daniels Pulled Pork Sandwich ("JDPPS") is what I am talking about. I once heard on NPR how the Food TV Network used the same filming techniques and style as those used in your typical porn movie. If this is true, then the menu at TGI Fridays is the equivalent of a Playboy or Penthouse magazine. Right smack in the middle of the glossy and colorful TGIF menu, the centerfold, is a juicy picture of an over sized bun stuffed with mouthwatering, tangy shredded pork. I was helpless against such stimulus. So while having lunch @ TGIFs with a few co-workers I succumbed to the temptation and I ordered a JDPPS with fries and a peanut butter cup pie. You can forget my assertions of a day ago that I would be more mindful about my eating habits and stop and think about my training before stuffing my face artery clogging, life robbing foods. May be I should eat JDPPS everyday (kidding). In case you are wondering I at least did run today so today will probably end-up being a calorie neutral day. How the hell do I stay awake the rest of the day at work as the JDPPS saps all my strength and kills me from the inside as it makes its way through my digestive system is a mystery. Thank God is Friday.

Back in NYC

2008-01-17T10:38:00.000-05:00

The trip to Orlando completely disrupted my running schedule. I am definitely little out of sync. Although I have been back for a few days now, it was only today that I ran since returning. Let me tell you it sucked. With all the good delicious food I ate in Orlando. I must have gained a few thousand pounds. All I could think about during my run was how my legs felt like lead, my belly like Jello and my heart was about to explode out of my chest (kind of like how the alien creatures in the movie Alien burst out people chests). Who would clean-up the mess?

Well I survived the run and I have vowed to be more mindful of what I am eating, after all there is a long way to go to marathon day on November 2.

A brief stay in Atlanta.

2008-01-14T21:26:00.000-05:00

I slept well last night even though I was deadly afraid of being attacked by bed bugs. I wished I had taken a picture of the hotel so you would understand why I was concerned.

I feel well rested and so far traveling today has been uneventful. I did take the time to yell at the customer service representative of the airline for not informing me yesterday about my flight cancellation before I got to the airport.

Anyway, unless there are nasty surprises coming my way (knock-on-wood) I should be home by early evening.