Buffalo Turkey Trot 8k

It started out well...The weather was great-- cool but dry and pleasant. I met my running group from Roswell Park Cancer Institute early this morning-- Did some LIVE shots for my TV station at the start line... waited... waited... and waited-- felt great-- pumped-- ready.

Then, Bang!

This is when things go down hill. I had planned to maintain a 6:50 pace throughout this race. In my past couple of weeks of marathon training doubles I have kept this pace many times for 4 milers, surely, this being 5-- I could hold it for one more... NOT!

I knew something wasn't right from the start. My breathing was off-- I felt as if I was pushing HARDER than EVER before-- I was confident I was holding a 6:20 pace... I looked down at my watch: 7:10 pace!!! What???? Mile 1: totally BEAT, 2, 3, 4-- just as bad.

I finished at 35:43-- Not at all what I was hoping.

What went wrong?

The wind-- was a bitch-- and hard on other runners too. There were hills- but nothing I haven't encountered before.

Should I also mention I drank some wine last night-- maybe more than I should have??? I hope that's the reason.. I thought the carbs would help-- but the alcohol apprently did not.. Oh well.

I had fun-- there were some great costumes-- and the race was filled to capacity with 12,000 runners.

These Old Shoes & Doubles

I said goodbye to an old friend.

Actually two old friends.

I didn't think it would affect me. I didn't think I would be a tad bit sad. But I am.

It was last week, I visited runnerswarehouse.com and was uber excited when I clicked 'Confirm" and purchased my new sneaks (Mizuno Inspire 5). I didn't think at all of my old pair-- that is until the new one arrived.

My old sneaks, also Mizunos, were well past expiration. I held onto them longer than I should have-- not for emotional reasons- but because I am cheap. I NOW suspect though that I might have been subliminally holding onto them for sentimental reasons.

This the is the pair I picked up in the infancy of my new running addiction.

They got me through some tough times.

They were there when it pained me to run 5 miles.

They were there when I ran my first sub 30:00 5k, then my sub 25:00 5k, sub 23:00-- so on and so forth.

They were there when I ran through snow, sleet, and rain.

They were there when I ran my first half..... etc., etc, etc,

Yes, they're just shoes, but they and I have been through a lot. Shared a lot...

SO... Here's to my shoes! I shall never forget you and cherish the memories. Thanks for being there!

Am I a lunatic??? Or Has anyone else had trouble parting ways with their sneakers?

DOUBLES

I remember back in High school when I played football. In the month of August we would pull "doubles" (some call them "Two a days"). I dreaded these terribly. We were up at 6am, running drills, hitting pads for three hours. Then back on the field to do it all over again in the hot afternoon sun. It was brutal. I hated August in high school.

Ironically I am performing "Doubles" again but this time I actually kind of like it. I am tired, hungry all the time-- even a bit cranky at times-- but I really like it.

I get up at 6AM-- run, hit gym for ab work.... I then break from work around 3PM and embark on round two.

I will put in more than 44 miles this week because of it and I feel stronger, faster than ever before.

As my old shoes could tell you-- keeping a 7:13 pace on a 4 miler was inconceivable months ago-- today, it's much easier!

Time FLIES! and Ugly Sweaters

Wow-- It has been a couple of weeks since my last post! Read on and you'll understand why.

The last few weeks have been nutz.

First: training!

Other than a brief lapse due to a brief sickness my training is going very well.
I am up to 17 miles-- and shooting for 18 this Saturday. The weather in this part of the country has been unseasonably warm so that has helped!

Next: Fundraising!

If you did not know, I am running the Disney Marathon for a cause- benefiting Roswell Park Cancer Institute here in Buffalo. It feels great to know I am working for something that is bigger than me and my own goals. It also makes training and getting ready that much tougher.

I'm not only begging, and probably annoying, friends and family to donate to my cause-- I am also holding a fundraiser.. An UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER fundraiser, check out the picture on my fliers:



That is NOT me by the way... My sweater-- will be much uglier!

Anyways-- I have been VERY busy setting up this darn thing. I had to get the place, plan the menu, send out invites, find a band-- not just a band-- but a band that will perform free of charge, find items to donate-- so far LOTS of gift certificates and items from the Buffalo Sabres and the Buffalo Bills! I had to decide cash bar or open bar-- it's open... Etc, etc, etc.

I am tired-- still motivated but tired. So, my apologies to all of you who have probably written some kick ass updates to your blogs-- I will catch up this week.

Oh yeah.. If you're in Buffalo -- or want to fly in-- My fundraiser is Saturday December 5Th. Fonatana's Ogden's Restaurant, 1834 William Street, Buffalo NY

Bring Your Ugly Christmas Sweater................