Electric Run

Well every once in a while you just need to have a fun run so tonight is that night. Running the Electric Run 5K in Foxboro tonight after work. Hopefully this is fun and isn't a traffic disaster like the Color Run and Run to the 50 Yard Line (Gillette Stadium) 5ks last year.

8 Stages of Marathon Running

 Pretty much......

Pound the Pavement

Ever had one of those day where if you didn't run you think you would lose your sanity? Well today is that day. Can't wait to get out of work and pound the pavement tonight.

Believe

Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you're young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don't let worn-out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself. 

John Bingham

A Certain Something in the Air....

Rock N Roll Providence

Well I think I finally got this half marathon running thing down with the speed increases. Now I just gotta kick it into full gear a mile or two earlier. Such a well organized race. No cluster fuck at the start line at all. Corrals of around 250 or 300 people in each section and each one was let to start a minute or two after the other. It totally made the start much better with less dodging, tripping, and bumping into people. Probably saved 3 minutes of running time just because of that. I will definitely do more of their races after this experience.

Todays Mail

Lookie what came in the mail today. Getting more and more excited as the date approaches. I haven't been this excited about any of the marathons as of yet.

Yup. Yup.

Remember the days when...

I so remember the days when running a 5K was a long run. Now running 4, 6, 8, or 13 miles is a short run and running 15-26.2 miles is a long run.

Lazy Brat....

Like everyone I can be a real lazy ass when I feel like it. Felt like relaxing yesterday after the 21 miler on Saturday and gym strength training on Sunday. Ate a PB & J sandwich, tortilla chips, and pistachio ice cream while watching How I Meet You Mother, WWE Raw, 2 Broke Girls, and Downton Abbey. I set my alarm for 6AM to run and go to the gym, but I didn't feel like getting up so I went back to sleep. Now I need to run tonight after work and I can't eat after 7PM because I am fasting for a blood test tomorrow AM. My bad.

Yup I'm getting excited...

Sept 21, 2013 Photos

Photo from along the run in Dorchester.

Post run celebration photo.

21 Miles....

Well I made it. 21 miles from home to Castle Island and back. I didn't injury myself this time which is good. Thank you Mizuno Wave Riders and legs. There was such a nice cool breeze in Southie. Three weeks from today will be Chicago and 26.2.  I feel shockingly good today. My legs aren't bothering me at all. Hopefully I feel this good in three week time after the marathon. Taper time is here. Time to heal and relax a bit, but not slack off in the least. Next weekend is the Rock N Roll Half Marathon.

Tomorrow's Motivation

This is my motivation for tomorrow's final long run of training of 20/21 miles. Quincy Center to Castle Island in Boston and back. Last time I did this run I injured myself while training for Phila in November 2012. I learned the when to replace your running shoes lesson on that run. The shoes were replaced yesterday and broken in last night. Plan on bringing my train pass this time as well in case anything does happen to go wrong this time around. I want redemption in the AM and I will get it!

Things Only Distance Runners Understand

Things Only Distance Runners Understand:

Waking up at 6AM on marathon race day to try and "get your metabolism started" to avoid any last minute need for a #2 portapotty session.

All State Half Marathon

 Getting up at 5AM on a weekend can mean only one thing race season is upon us only again.

All State Half Marathon Results:

942

Kevin Meehan

M

33

Quincy

MA

1:56:30

8:53/mi

Things Only Distance Runners Understand #38

Things Only Distance Runners Understand #38

Peeing 3 times before a race.

Starting a race.

Needing to pee again within 5 minutes.

14 People Who Don't Know How to Treadmill

Time for a laugh: http://mashable.com/2013/09/11/treadmill-fails/

WTF HUMID AGAIN???

Well it is back. That damn New England humidity. Take it away. Please take it away. Started yesterday and gross out today. Glad I did my 8 miles beach run last night and not today though. So spoiled with the nice weather we have been getting the last two or so weeks in the 50s, 60s. and 70s. I know it is still Summer technically, but bring on the Fall weather. Great for the runs.

LSD...

Did 18.3 on the Charles Sunday afternoon. Only two weeks left of long runs before the taper begins and technically that is only one LSD (long slow distance) left since this Sunday I am running the All-State Half Marathon in East Boston. I guess I could try this splitting a long run in half thing that I have heard people talk about in magazines and on Active.com and do the half in the AM then run another 6-8 miles in the PM if I wanted to though. Who knows maybe I just will.

I'm highly looking forward to the fall racing season though and meeting new people along the way. Got the All State Half Marathon in East Boston this weekend, Rock N Roll Half Marathon in Providence the last weekend of the month, the Electric Run 5K at Foxboro Oct 4, and the Chicago Marathon Columbus Day weekend. Possibly another half in November as well.

Call Me Guilty....

 Yeah yeah I am guilty of some of these myself. If not all 5 of them.

http://running.competitor.com/2013/09/staff-blog/the-everyman-confessions-of-a-runner_82747

Quote for today...

"You don’t have to be elite to be a runner. It’s all about setting a target, giving your best effort to achieve it, and being proud of whatever that effort results in."

Running bucket list.....

Mizuno Running North America asks:

Running bucket list? Go!

 

My reply:
 

London, Rome, Germany, Great Wall of China, Greece, New York City. (San Fran and Chicago are booked so those are off the list.)

 

 

Miley who?

And this is what we learned this week...

Central Park runs are always good runs.

Central Park runs are always good runs. Three loops around the Reservoir and a loop around the park.

Ouchies...

Ouchies......Took a nice trip running in Brookline, MA last night on part of the Boston Marathon course in the dark. Wacked my right hip on the concrete sidewalk pretty good I guess because it still hurts a bit. My water bottle protected my right hand that I used to try to save myself from wacking my head too. Not the first time I took a trip and fell running, but this time I shouldn't have a small scarce like I do on my knuckle from the last time. Last time I broke my Nike+ GPS watch when I fell though ARG!

Lookie what I found.....

Race Results

- June 23, 2013: Bay of Fundy Marathon Lubec, Maine and Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada 4:47:20
- May 5, 2013: Quincy Half Marathon  1:50:05  8:24/M
- April 15, 2013: 117th Boston Marathon Unposted Time
- Dec 2012: Marathon Sports Somerville Jingle Bell  5K Run  24:29 7:53/M
- Nov 17, 2012: Philadelphia Marathon  4:41:43
- July 3, 2012: Harvard Pilgrim Finish at the 50 5K 27:34 8:53/M
- June 10, 2012: Castle Awards Half Marathon Seekonk, MA 2:01:17
- May 27, 2012: Boston's Run to Remember Half Marathon 1:57:23 8:58/M
- March 17, 2012: Quincy Half Marathon  1:50:28
- Oct 23, 2011: Cause 4 Paws 5K Road Race  24:02 7:45/M
- Sept. 24, 2011: Meals on Wheels 5K 22:11 7:09/M
- June 11, 2011: Squirrel Run 5 Miler 40:36 8:07/M

The 26 Stages Of Taking Up Running

This was a pretty good Buzzfeed article on running:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/ailbhemalone/the-stages-of-taking-up-running

Enjoy

Why Run?

I run because I can.
I run because others can't.
I run to free myself of everyday life.
I run to clear my mind.
I run to see the world.
I run to try to accomplish something.
I run because everyday is a gift that others don't get to see.
I run because Boston is my home.
I run to feel the sweat dripping off my body.
I run for the joy of it.
I run to be around others that run and share the joy of it like a family.

Charles Run

If anyone wants to know it is around 16/17 miles from Brighton/Newton to Science Park and back along the Charles River. The Cambridge side is pretty flat except for a small incline near the BU Bridge. The Boston side is flat from Science Park to the BU Bridge then it has a slow incline until Western Ave, small hills after until Harvard Sq, then flat again through Allston/Brighton.

Did it on Saturday was going for 16 miles, but 16.8 works for me. 2 hours and 35 minutes from 5:30-8 basically.

P.S. the brand new water fountain in Artesani Park isn't working. Why was I not surprised by this? I so needed water at that point so I was looking for it. I still can't find the other two new three tier water fountains on the Boston side of the Charles.

25 Worst Questions to Ask a Runner

This is all true. I have been asked every single one of these questions.

The 25 worst questions to ask a runner: http://bit.ly/17ABXbC

14

Well I am back up to 14 miles for Training. Had a good running week last week, but this week isn't as good. Been really tired, so needed to get so sleep time in. Back to running tonight if the weather holds up. The alarm was set for 6AM today, but I just wasn't feeling it. Running and strength training it is tonight for me. :)

Thanks for the reminder...

Thanks for this Facebook reminder BAA: "Have a great run (or two!) this weekend. The 2014 Boston Marathon is 262 days away."

 Still got Chicago in October to deal with in 70ish days.

 

Boston 2014 sign up is almost here it seems....

Dear Kevin,

You have been identified as a 2013 Boston Marathon participant who reached and was recorded at the half marathon checkpoint or later, but who did not have the opportunity to cross the Boylston Street finish line on April 15. Later this month, you will be eligible to register for the 2014 Boston Marathon during a special registration period. This registration period will begin on Monday, August 19th at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time and will conclude on Thursday, August 29th at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. In order for your deferred entry to be accepted, you must register before the deadline. If you do not register during this period, your deferment will not be accepted. If you do not accept this early registration option, you may apply through the general entry process, provided that you have met the 2014 Boston Marathon qualifying standards for your age and gender and the registration process remains open. The general entry period begins in September. You may also apply for entry through the B.A.A. Official Charity Program. Please find below instructions for submission of your entry. This email provides the secure link and password combination you will need in order to submit your entry. Please note the secure link and password combination may not be transferred and will be deemed invalid for use by any other individual than for whom it was intended. You will be required to pay the current entry fee amount: $325 USD (if you do not have a valid qualifying performance and you will be registered as an Invitational entrant). Please note that when you submit your entry, you will not be asked to supply qualifying time or race information. You will have the opportunity to submit a qualifying performance at a later time if you choose to do so. For those who have met the Boston Marathon qualifying standards for their age and gender, you will be able to submit NEW information to the B.A.A. between November 1, 2013 and February 1, 2014.

I love.....

I love my Mizunos. :)

http://www.runnersworld.com/shoe/mizuno-wave-rider-16-mens

Ptown

I got up bright and easy for a Provincetown, MA run Saturday morning at 7AM. I have always wanted to run down there on the bike trails. I had premapped out a nice 12 mile course to hit up, but still got a bit confused in the sand dunes and had to ask a biker for directions back to the town center to Commercial Street to head back to Truro to the motel. I noticed I forgot my Ipod once I left the hotel, but decided not to go grab it and enjoy the sounds around me. The sounds of the birds, fireflies, the ocean waves, the people saying good morning, and the sound of my feet hitting the pavement. Early morning runners are usually so much nicer than evening runners. I think it is because they know if you are out that early it is because you are most likely training for a run and trying to avoid the heat that is due to come. The people there we just much friendlier though kind of like in Lubec Maine and Campobello Island, Nova Scotia, Canada during the marathon up there is June.

Ptown Run Photos

Ptown Bike trail.

Along the Ptown bike trail

Nature doesn't need a filter. It is perfect, vibrant, and beautiful naturally.

I just thought this was a cool fence.

End of Commercial Street right near the breakwater.

Beaches are pretty especially thanks to the nice breeze.

End of my run almost back the the motel and beach

Beginning of my run right over the border in Truro.

Stolen Thoughts 2

Sunset Monday/Wednesday

The first photo is along the Charles River in Boston on Monday nights run.

The second photo is Wollaston Beach in Quincy on Wednesday nights run.

July 2014

Signed up for the San Fran Marathon for 2014 last night. I couldn't resist. $105 for preregistration. I am sure it will at least double in price when it officially goes on sale when ever that is. The thought of running over the Golden Gate Bridge was just to much for me, so I went and signed up. Although it is over a year away still I am highly looking forward to it. Boston April 2014 redo and San Fran in July, 2014 should be a good year for running.

The Oatmeal...

Thought this was great:

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/running

I'm Back!!!

Ran 12 miles Saturday afternoon. Longest run since the marathon three weekends ago. The left knee is still bothering me though. I need to keep the runs as flat as possible for a while it seems. Thank the Gods for the nice 70 degree weather on Saturday all day since I went out Friday night with friends and didn't get home until 2:30AM. Woke up at 11:30 and ran about 12:40ish until 2:40. To bad the humidity is already back.

Long Run 1 Mix

Good for about a 2 hour run. This is an older mix I made, but still a good one with lots of verity.

Florence & the Machine - Dog Days Are Over
Britney Spears - Till The World Ends
Lady Gaga - The Edge of Glory
Tori Amos - Raspberry Swirl
D.R.U.G.S. - I'm Here to Take the Sky
Taking Back Sunday - Faith
Kelly Clarkson - Stronger
Marina & The Diamonds - Radioactive
Fireworks - I Locked My Time Capsule
Jessie J - Nobody's Perfect
Nicki Minaj - Super Bass
Save Your Breathe - Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy
Yeah yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll
Neon Trees - Animal
The Killers - Somebody Told Me
The Bravery - Believe (Monn Version)
David Guetta - Night Of Your Life (Ft. Jennifer Hudson)
Sabi - Wild Heart
The Saturdays - Not That Kinda Girl
Martin Solveig - Boys & Girls (Ft. Dragonette)
Blur - Song 2
The Wonder Years - Local Man Ruins Everything
Teddybears - Cariac Arrest (Ft. Robyn)
Jennifer Lopez - Papi
Evanescence - The Change
Pink - Fuckin' Perfect
Beyonce - Crazy In Love
Amy Winehouse - Tears Dry On Their Own
The Appreication Post - The Beating of a Lifetime
Carrie Underwood - Before He Cheats
Ellie Goulding - Starry Eyed
A Fine Frenzy - Electric Twist

Sasha Azevedo Quote

“I run because it’s my passion, and not just a sport. Every time I walk out the door, I know why I’m going, where I’m going, and I’m already focused on that special place where I find my peace and solitude. Running, to me, is more than just a physical exercise… it’s a consistent reward for victory!” - Sasha Azevedo

7/8 mile runs, Rock N Roll

Ran 7.6 miles Saturday morning at 6:40AM until 8AM even then it was humid as hell out. That shower was heaven after.

I ran above the same distance today 7.8 miles and I must saw it was much better. The humidity broke and there was a nice cool breeze.

I am enjoying doing the free weights at the gym now as well. Something different for once.

My friend Nicole told me that the Rock N Roll Marathon people are letting people that didn't finish the Boston Marathon pick a run of any distance for free. I emailed them and asked to run the Rock N Roll Half Marathon in Providence in August. Hopefully they get back to me since I have been debating signing up for it for like 6 months now and still haven't signed up. Even better if it is free right?

Humid and all...

Made it through 3 quick runs this week so far. Two 5 milers and a 2 miler to the gym and back. I know a 5 miler isn't exactly a quick run for most, but to me it is although no runs feel quick in this humidity right now. Prob a 5/8 miler if the knees hold up tonight after work then some free weights at the gym. The knees have been feeling good today and yesterday finally, but that could be cause I didn't run yesterday at all. We will see I guess.

I'm Back Hopefully?

Gonna try to run for the first time since the marathon after work today. Let's hope this isn't a disaster. This is if it isn't raining of course. Probably run toward the gym since it is only a mile from home so that if I don't feel good about the run and my knees I can just go there and not run any further. Just hoping for a quick 5kish run to get the legs back into running after 8 days of not running. Only done a couple bike sessions at the gym and a bunch of walking/hiking during my vacation week last week. Here's to hopefully being back to running tonight since the Chicago Marathon is only 3 and a 1/2 months away already. Here's to a flat marathon this time.

Elevation

The Boston elevation gain is 465 and Bay of Fundy was between 700-1000. There is a war over the number for Fundy still. Either way it still proves that when I said "Boston was a cake walk compared to Bay of Fundy" I was right.

P.S. My left knee is still bothering me from all those hills. Prob doesn't help that I was hiking on Georges Island Wednesday and then hiking in Franklin Park Thursday though. Hopefully all the walking will help me heal quicker like they say.

Starting using free weights today at the gym. Had a quick 30 minute training with a trainer at the gym. We will see how this goes

The Medal, The Shirt, The Bag,

The bag is made from real-life lobstermen's "bait bags" from Downeast Marine Trap.

The medal rope is actually fisherman's rope.

The shirt is made from 10 plastic bottles that were recycled.

Bay Of Fundy International Marathon

9 hours of driving switching between Mary and Fred. Stopped in Portland for coffee and Bangor for gas and a snack. Got lunch at some dinner in some town don't remember the name of it. Got to Lubec and went to Canada to check in with my passport for the run and grab my bib number 243. Went to the lighthouse over the border to snap some photos. Then it is back to Maine and check in at the US Guard for the run. Off to the Lubec school to get the race swag bag and registration. Photo to come of the shirt of course. Went to check in at the bed and breakfast, then off the the start line area to take some photos of the lighthouse there. Then off to the pasta dinner at the school we went. The bed and breakfast has about 7 acres of land. From our space you could see the fireflies in the field flickering. It was beautiful. Something you don't see in city life.
 -----------------------------------------
Well that was a run is putting it lightly. Bay Of Fundy's first International Marathon 26.2 miles in Lubec, Maine and Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada. The start line is a lighthouse which was a cool start. People were all taking photos in their running gear before the run. Hey Mizuno reps do you see me all decked out in Mizuno gear above? I wouldn't mind a sponsorship and some free clothes. lol...Miles 0-6 were great a couple small hills about it. Then over the FDR Memorial Bridge into Canada we went. Uphill on the bridge and it didn't end until the downhill back over the bridge to finish. You run by four lighthouses the start line, one in the water, one right over the bridge, and the turn around point at the end of the island at mile 16. The hills we killer. This makes Boston's famous hills look like a cake walk. The best part of this all was the people. They were all so sweet to everyone. The runners we all extremely friendly as well. Most of the run I was chatting with someone. People that chatted with each other were yelling the cities they were from when they caught up to each other again. "Hey Boston, good stride." "Hey Kevin, nice matching outfit." "Hey Denver, nice ass." lol. Needless to say with all the hills people were tired, sore, and angry even. The views during the marathon helped you to forget the running and pain for awhile, but the hills got to mostly everyone it seemed. Some of the views you can see above. My knees are not happy with me today, but all in all I feel good. Got home around midnight after a two hour stop in Bar Harbor, Maine so my friends Mary and Fred could get some lobster. Mary made a sign for the finish line that said "Happy 7th Birthday, Kevin." She is to cute. It got people to cheer though when I finished and she chased after me. Ohh and Fred thank you for the slice of pizza at the finish line. It was much needed. 4 hours 45 minutes of running and walking. I'm not gonna lie I walked probably 3-5 miles of it. The hills just got to me. The medal is cool though. A medal scallop shell with "First Bay Of Fundy International Marathon 2013" engraved on the back. I will post a photo front and back tomorrow. You can kind of see it in the photo above, but not to well.

Sunday is close approaching....

Time to start carb loading. ARG! I hate that loaded with carbs feeling.

One more 30 minute run tomorrow morning to make sure the legs aren't to tight for Sunday and we are good to go. Running outfit washed, passport ready to go, running glasses in bag, gatorade, energy chummies, powerbar energy juice/gel for the run packed, banana,yogurt, and granola bar good to go, and band-aids so I don't chaff the nipples.

Bring it on Bay of Fundy. 26.2 and lovin it!

The Calm After The Storm...

A  post Dallas run after not running for three days straight. Worked 8-4 today so was home around 5:30. I noticed the dark sky coming as I was walking home from the train, so I waited awhile to leave for my run.  The rain wasn't stopping so I reversed my workout and walked to the gym and did a quick arm and ab work out and noticed the sun was starting to break through the rain around 7:40ish. Left the gym at 7:50 walked home and a double rainbow was there. You can only see one in the photos sadly the other one was to lite. Dropped my umbrella off at home and took off on a quick 30 minute run into the sunset in the last of the rain. The sidewalks were empty so it was really nice. I should run right after a storm more often.

Adapting Your Training For The Summer

http://running.competitor.com/2013/06/training/adapting-your-training-to-the-summer-heat_75181

This is a great article on running in the Summer heat everyone should read it.

Scenes from a run June 9, 2013

Milton, MA, 12 miles.

Stolen Thoughts 1

Beach Run

Happy National Running Day. Went out for a nice beach run tonight after work 8.5 miles. Perfect weather for a run tonight. Not to hot and not humid.

National Running Day

Don't forget tomorrow is National Running Day. Log your miles here: http://www.runnow.com/

Monday 6 plus miles of hell run. My legs just weren't having it and were still tight from Saturdays long run.

Tuesday 3.2 miles with 5 grade hills on both ends pre and post gym. Love me some hills.

The Poem

I will run in the dark before Dawn
I will run in the noon day sun
I will run in the bitter cold
I will run in the stifling heat
I will run when the rain falls
I will run when the snow flies
I will run even if I'm tired
I will run even if I ache
But I will NOT run away
I will Not be terrorized
I am Boston I will run

June 1 Super hot long run, Taper Time, Photos.

Left at 6:45AM Saturday for my last long run of training. Started at bfs place in Brighton and hit the Charles River Cambridge side first Greenboro Blvd. and Memorial Drive, then the Boston side up to Mass Ave. next. The Cambridge side is hell in the heat. Even with the shade it was about 20 degrees warmer than the Boston side. Hit the store to refill the Gatorade and chug a water. Then went along the Fens, up the Riverway, a loop around Jamaica Pond, then back to Washington Street up to Beacon Street/Cleveland Circle, half a loop around Chestnut Hill Reservoir and to the bfs place. It was a bit over 21 miles. You know your a runner when you go for a run and you can calculate how far 21 miles is without even mapping it out ahead of time. Thank God for the shade along the Boston Side of the river and park system in this city. Did have to walk quite a bit due to the heat sadly so my time was awful 3 hours and 45 minutes around, but I'm happy that I got out there in this heat with everyone else that was out and got it done early before it got even worse out there. Now it is time to taper, heal, relax a bit, shorter runs, and bring on the next Marathon on the 23rd.

Above are photos from along the run.

The New Endurance Craze

My reply to this question:

Are you participating in the new endurance craze? Instead of traditional races for time, mud runs, obstacle course races, color runs, glo runs, zombie runs and a variety of other non-race events are creating loads of excitement. What do you think about these types of events? Have you done one or more? Do you have a favorite? Or do you prefer 10Ks, half-marathons and marathons?

Answer:  I did the Color Run last year and it was a blast. Also did a 5K around a football stadium which was cool. I still prefer my 13.1 & 26.2 now though. All in all though they are a great way to get people together and have some fun at the same time as exercising.

 

Humidity and heat

Ran 8 miles from home to the end of the beach and back last night after work. Remember runners that it takes a few runs in this heat and humidity for your body to get used to running and breathing in this weather so you might want to slow it down a bit and bring fluids.

Happy running this weekend all. 20/21 miler tomorrow morning hopefully and got to do it early to avoid the worst of the heat and humidity again that is here through this weekend. Then it is off to taperland for the next three weeks.

0.5%

Did you know that only 0.5% of the U.S. population has run a marathon? Are you part of this tiny, but powerful, percentage?

Just Never Give Up...

Did 6.82 last night which is what I set out to do.

My body has been so off since I got that massage on Saturday morning. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea during the last week of training before taper to go get one for the first time ever. Knew I should have just gone to a yoga class. So this is fitting this week:

Scenes from a long run: Turners Pond, Milton, MA 5/26/13

Scenes from a long run: Turners Pond, Milton, MA 5/26/13