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Ran a 10k - Official Thread (33 Viewers)

Zasada said:
I know this wasn't intentional, but this became bulletin board material for me a few weeks ago.  I was thinking "Hey, I'm not that far from 2,000 miles!  Is @tri-man 47 thinking it's out of reach for me?  I'll show him!"

So I put my shoes on, and had my best month of training since I started running:

  • 422km (262mi) -- highest monthly distance volume ever
  • 12,447m (40,836ft) -- highest monthly elevation gain ever
  • 54h3m (2.2 turns of the earth) -- most active time ever (includes weights/PT)
  • Best/fastest 20-miler ever (race or training)
  • Multiple Prairie Mountain PRs (but still not on the ascent, that one eludes me)
...and today, with one day to spare, I hit 2,000 miles for 2021.

Thanks for the motivation!  I know this is totally unintentional on your part, and totally fabricated on mine.  Yet my (fabricated) goals are what keeps me getting out there.  Even in -33C/-27F temps. 

Will tackle my year-end summary tomorrow.  Not sure if I'm going to run or take a day.  We'll see.
@tri-man 47 will you challenge Zasada that he couldn't possibly send me some ribeyes and a few bottles of red wine? 

Hell of a month @Zasada - congrats!!!

 
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12th Annual FBG Year-End Report - 2021

From me last year:

“On my long road to Boston, I’m pulled off in a rest stop but I’m loading up on snacks. I’ll be ready for the next push.”

I’m still on that road to Boston. Snacks were good and I’m hungry for something more. 

Your goals coming into the year, and were they achieved? 

Reading back on last year, I was pretty freaked out and figuring out my covid recovery. Grateful that I was able to get back on track in latter part of Dec 2020 and started the year healthy.  

From last year thread goals:

I want a sub 20 5k - chased it in June to 20:30  ❌

A marathon PR in 2021 - 👍 

Process goals - working my recovery plan, getting miles under me, staying diversely active and seeing if I can chase for 2,021 miles in Dec 2021 - 👍

Accomplishments or PRs in 2021:

Getting back to racing was a big step. Races were just so fun, they always have been it turns out. 

YoY metrics look good:

Volume vs 2020 +19% & vs 2019 + 8%

Avg pace down 2 seconds/mile vs 2020 & down 5 seconds/mile 2019

Avg HR down 3 bpm vs 2020 & 3 bpm 2019

Your proudest and/or best race (or segment within a race):

Got closest to ‘flow’ I think I’ve ever found with my finishing push at Indy.  I’ve run about 8,800 miles since I started and that was probably my best mile. 

A race or race training disappointment during 2021:

My back and hip flexors almost didn’t make it to Indy after some dumbness the week prior. This points a hot light at my weaknesses and imbalances as my main limiter. I have to identify and minimize through strengthening even if at the detriment of volume. This is tough bc more volume will be necessary to continue improving towards BQ and beyond.  It’s my core that is weak, it leads to too much stress on everything else. 

Total training volume and successes during 2021:

Strung 4 months of 200+ miles on marathon build, finished with 2,064 miles.

Lesson(s) you’ve learned during the year:

- I can handle more volume if I am on the rest/recovery aspects as well

- A shorter 12-14 week marathon cycle is better for me (mentally and less time to overuse myself) if I have a base.  

- Staying healthy is easier than getting healthy. Warmups, post run stuff and strength work is what it takes for me to stay on treacle. 

- Will try less stretching, more strength. 

- I can improve on 2021.  

Primary memories of other guys’ training, races, or life experiences in 2021:

It was special getting each of us to our respective ‘start’ lines. Some were races, some were training, some were taking more focus to bike or other pursuits. Some was rehab or rest. We keep our individual fires lit in many ways and I know the positive energy of the group fuels me. 

Indy will be a race day memory until my memories all fade. 

Race day morning tracking (sometimes all day) is a thrill. 

Goal(s) for 2022:

For now I’m creeping a few miles, a few bike rides and core work. Health is #1 to support upping mileage with a bump to my base and a bump to my training peak miles.

Race times will be an outcome, the desired outcomes are a 5k PR in first half of year and a marathon PR in the second half of the year. The sub 20 min 5k goal has been a couple years now and it’s getting done this time. 

I also want to enjoy more start lines and if possible race days with some FBG crew. 

Hitch on to some group runs / run club stuff locally. I think this will be good for me.

Thanks for the support and friendship and helping create a positive in my life.
 

 
Your goals coming into the year, and were they achieved?

I don’t think that I did an EOY report last year so I don’t think I had anything “set".  However, I was contemplating going for the full marathon early in the year and then solidified my thinking in March when I upped my weekly mileage to 50 and was able to do so with no major issues.  Result – goal achieved.

A more personal goal was to get in more runs with my wife.  We have been able to get in 2/3 runs per week together, which has been great on so many levels  :wub:

Accomplishments or PRs in 2021:

My only race of the year was the Columbus Marathon, which was my cherry popping race.  While I didn’t get to run it under the most ideal health conditions, I did complete it without stopping and got in under 4:00 (3:56). 

Your proudest and/or best race (or segment within a race):

Finishing the damn thing!  What an amazing experience.  After all the work I put in, I was soooooo glad that my body recovered enough to let me actually run it.  While my training goal was 15-20 minutes faster than what I finished, I am very proud that I kept with my plan for the race.  With no idea how it was going to fall out (post COVID and 1st marathon ever), I knew I had to play it safe, and did so, while watching much lesser runners pass me for 2 hours before I turned it up.

A race or race training disappointment during 2021:

Hamstring tendonitis being the result of the best training run I’ve ever had.  That knocked me out and then caused a lot of trouble in my training.  It probably would have lingered even longer since I was trying to train through it, but then COVID hit and officially knocked my original goals off the table.  I can’t dwell on these things too much though, because my end result was still a success in my mind.

Total training volume and successes during 2021:

2,091 miles

328 hours

17,060 ft of elevation gain

312 runs

I also had some other things in there when injured.  But, I was also able to get in ~3 20 minute strength workouts (strictly kettlebell work, hitting core/legs) a week during my marathon training.  However much I hated doing those, I think that they were invaluable for the race as I was able to keep form throughout. 

Lesson(s) you’ve learned during the year:

Marathons are a #### ton of work and the reward was totally worth it.  If I had to do it all over again, I would have probably fully rested my hammy injury.  I also realized that after all that training, I was totally burnt out by the end of it.  My mileage is still pretty high right now (for me), but not having the pressure of getting in specific workouts on specific days makes it much easier.  I should probably schedule more rest days, but I keep eating too many damn cookies.

Primary memories of other guys’ training, races, or life experiences in 2021:

Every year, the badassery in here is amazing.

@JShare87 – running a marathon right after the COVID shot and battling through feeling terrible.  Excited for your marathon!

@Juxtatarot – you’re so damn fast.  Amazing how someone with your talent and dedication was able to focus even more and elevate what was already incredible.  Great HM PR.

@SteelCurtain – you’re a robot

@pbm107 – marathon PR with all the stomach issues going on.  Bowels of steel.

@gianmarco - sub 4:00 marathon on grit and will

Mrs. Gian – insanely dedicated and just blowing these races out of the water

@MAC_32 – I don’t know how you finished that last race.  So much heart to get that done.  Oh, then you still get to 2,000 miles on the year.  Eesh.

@bushdocda – I always keep an eye on what you are doing.  You are the carrot I’m chasing in a lot of ways, knowing full well I’m multiple years behind where you are…but it’s where I want to get to.  You are so damn consistent, and it shows in your races.  Great PR.

@SayWhat? - Western States. I don’t know how you do it

@Zasada – churning out just ridiculous runs with ridiculous elevations.  I can’t wait to see your races in 2022, you are going to crush all your PRs.

@Dr_Zaius – winning a frozen turkey!

I know there are a lot more than above, but all the badassery starts blurring across time.  Everyone in here has done great things.

Goal(s) for 2022:

I’d love to get to 2,000 miles again. 

I am not sure what my work life is going to be like quite yet, but my plan is to run a HM in April and *maybe* the full again in the fall.  Goals are to F-U-C-K-I-N-G CRUSH MY PRS! 

Oh, and have fun.

Oh, and maybe Monumental?

 
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Indy is having a $75 marathon registration this morning.  I just registered but I'm not sure I'll run it.  Its good to have it in case something goes awry with my racing early in the fall.

Happy New Year!

 
12th Annual FBG Year-End Report - 2021

Your goals coming into the year, and were they achieved? 

I couldn't find any year end report last year (but my searching skills are sub standard so it may be there somewhere.)

However, I was dealing with an injury which I'm sure I wanted to completely heal from and hope to BQ and possibly PR in my marathon and half marathon.

BQ - YES!

Marathon PR -- YES!

Half Marathon PR - NO!

Accomplishments or PRs in 2021:

Completing 4 marathons in 35 days was a challenge including 2 within 30 hours of each other (and 800 miles apart.)

PR at London (3:10:17)

Continuing to recovery and strengthen from glute injury.

A race or race training disappointment during 2021:

Two parts.  1.  Disappointed my body (glute specifically) is still in pain.  But maybe that's a function of just getting old.

2. Its hard to call a PR a disappointment, but London was crowded and I could have run faster than I did that day.  The congestion really impacted me and makes me wonder what I could have done at a smaller marathon. 

Total training volume and successes during 2021:

After only running 520 miles for January through April (average monthly mileage of 130 miles per month), I was pleased to finish with 2300 miles.  Even better since I back off my running pretty significantly at the end of the year as well.

Experienced my highest monthly mileage ever with 325 miles in August (which was after a 311 mile July.)

I was better than ever at stretching and strengthening this year.

Lesson(s) you’ve learned during the year:

- Biking in the winter helped my running.

- I struggle with longer training cycles.

- I love summer running more than I ever realized. 

- Will attempt more strength during heavy running loads. 

Primary memories of other guys’ training, races, or life experiences in 2021:

So many things happened and I'll definitely forget people.  So, I'll be a bit more generic.

Everyone here contributes to the vibe of this thread and I'm thankful for what each of you bring to the table.  I sit in awe of those who possess incredible speed or those who can run 100 miles.  I'm amazed to watch people battle injuries for YEARS!  To watch people hit their goals while also taking care of other things in life (work, family, illness, etc.) is inspiring.

My highlight for me regarding this group was Friday night dinner in Indy.  We all got together and it was completely natural.  Nothing awkward, great jokes, lots of laughter. It was an awesome time with @gianmarco, Mrs. @gianmarco, @gruecd, @gruecd's friend, @bushdocda , @pbm107, and @pbm107's sister.  And then to watch several of them go out the next day and crush their goals was just awesome.

I also very much appreciate the Peloton trifecta of me, @gruecd and @bushdocda.  Getting to ride together virtually is always a great time (as @gruecd is usually trashtalking from the front of the pack!).

I really enjoy tracking everyone's races....even if its just an easier race.  Keep posting any tracking you have in 2022 so we can cheer you on.  Its often a nice distraction from yardwork or shuttling kids around or whatever else is happening that day.

Goal(s) for 2022:

2500 miles running.

I completed 681 workouts on Peloton this year.  (Including 282 strength, 270 stretching and 102 cycling)  I'd love to get to 750 workouts in 2022.  I want to keep up my strength better than I have in the past.

I will look at scattered running between now and March. Then basebuilding April through June.  Before finally embarking on my marathon training block for a PR attempt in Fall 2022.  So much can happen with race day challenges with weather, etc., its tough to say my goal is a PR.  I want to put myself in a position to attempt a PR on race day.  At the very least, I'd like to qualify for the 2024 Boston Marathon.  If I run 2024, it would be my 7th straight Boston.

I will hopefully pace a few races this year, I just don't know where and when (I'd love to do NYC again, but its so political and nothing is certain). 

I need my Berlin lottery result before I can plan the rest of my racing year ( @bushdocda and I are a team in the Berlin lottery so we might both be going to Germany!)  I'm also in the London lottery, but I'll get turned down fast like @gruecd did from the ladies at the parties in college. :D

Looking forward to having a crew coming to Boston for the marathon this year.  We will have to plan a dinner....and post race drinks.

I would like to tone down my desserts at home and eat a bit healthier.  Currently, I'm at 178.5 lbs (which is 16 lbs higher than I was in London/Boston and probably 12 lbs heavier than I was at Indy.)

 
Sorry, I'm late with this.

12th Annual FBG Year-End Report - 2021

Your goals coming into the year, and were they achieved? 

  1. Do a freaking pushup, and how ever many continuous pushups make sense for me -- rolled from 2020 -- SUCCESS (albeit a pretty soft goal, but I did it, including 5x5 just before xmas)
  2. Finish a 100km race (preferably Miwok in May) -- rolled from 2020 -- FAIL
  3. Complete a Prairie Mountain ascent in 41:59 or less -- rolled from 2020 -- FAIL
  4. Reclaim the CR on the Mount Burke ascent (or beat 1:01:09 if CR gets reset before I get to it) -- FAIL
  5. Run a <100 minute HM (preferably Vegas R&R in Nov) -- FAIL (although I did do it in training)
  6. (Bonus) run a IRL race with at least one FBG 10K #BMFer -- FAIL
Accomplishments or PRs in 2021:

  • A few Prairie Mountain PRs (descent, round-trip, double, triple), but not the important one (ascent) that I set my goal for
  • A strong December, setting monthly PRs for distance, elevation, and time
A race or race training disappointment during 2021:

I had my calf injury in spring of 2021, and that took 2-3 months of training off the books for me.  I regressed a ton, and all my goals went to hell.  I spent the late summer and fall just trying to work my way back to a level of fitness that would allow me to entertain PRs and races again.  I DNSed my first 100K race (SOB), and then DNFed my second (Iron Legs @ 40K / 2,000m).  The latter I went into untrained and just did it because it was on my home trails and at worst was a supported training day.  But it was still mentally a big disappointment to see how bad I performed.

Also missed out on the FBG/10K Monumental race due to wife aggro.  That was a big disappointment as well.

Total training volume and successes during 2021:

  • 3,233km / 2,008mi (500mi below 2020)
  • 59,132m / 194,002ft (10k ft below 2020)
  • 352h32m (~90h below 2020)
No real successes except some good training runs in Q1 and Q4.  Happy to be back from injury and have a good December.  Now I need to crystalize some of this recovery into official race results.

Lesson(s) you’ve learned during the year:

Stop complaining about running conditions, because not being able to run (due to injury) sucks even more.  Also need to watch the street running volume as that seems to drive me to injury (when I'm not mixing trails in regularly).

Primary memories of other guys’ training, races, or life experiences in 2021:

I'm going to miss lots here, apologies.

But @gianmarco and Mrs. @gianmarco crushing their marathons and the latter with a BQ was really awesome.

@pbm107 being able to reach the next level with his incredible marathon PR after a great training cycle.

@Juxtatarot having a great training cycle as well and just killing that HM.

@SayWhat?'s WSER.  Getting the silver buckle after an epic effort.  Watching him and his wife finish the last 100m of the race gave me chills.  So awesome.

@xulf kicking a bad hammy and COVID aside and dropping a sub-4hr marathon as his first.  #BMF.

@MAC_32 fighting through injuries and life to log another 2,000mi year.  

It was great to be able to meet @gruecd and @gianmarco+family during the year.  Nice to put some faces to the avatars.  Gian and Mrs. Gian were such gracious and generous hosts.  It was fun to be able to see the location of the tree-crime as well.

Goal(s) for 2022:

Basically the same as for 2021:

  1. Finish a 100km race -- rolled from 2021
  2. Complete a Prairie Mountain ascent in 41:59 or less -- rolled from 2021
  3. Reclaim the CR on the Mount Burke ascent (or beat 1:01:09 if CR gets reset before I get to it) -- rolled from 2021
  4. Run a <100 minute HM (preferably Vegas R&R in Feb) -- rolled from 2021
  5. (Bonus) run a IRL race with at least one FBG 10K #BMFer -- rolled from 2021
As with every year, and as others have posted, this thread is the best.  I appreciate all the support and sharing of stories.  And @tri-man 47 for keeping me motivated, among the rest of you.

Thank you.

 
Indy is having a $75 marathon registration this morning.  I just registered but I'm not sure I'll run it.  Its good to have it in case something goes awry with my racing early in the fall.

Happy New Year!
Didn’t sign up yet, but I’ll almost certainly be there.  :thumbup:

 
12th Annual FBG Year-End Report - 2021

Your goals coming into the year, and were they achieved?

The goal was Boston and, aggressively, a top 10 AG finish, or at least 10 ten U.S.  I ended up 17th in the AG and 13th U.S. in a U.S.-heavy race …so I’m fine with that, given the overall success of that race.

Accomplishments or PRs in 2021:

A Boston PR by ten minutes, and a very strong HM a month later.  Sure, some of that was due to the magic shoes.  But I hadn’t run Boston since 2016, so shoes notwithstanding, that was a major achievement.

Your proudest and/or best race (or segment within a race):

Strategically, Boston was probably the best race I’ve ever run – controlled thru 16 miles; hold pace as much as possible through the hills; take advantage of a few downslopes after Heartbreak; break mile 25 into small segments and work through them; all-out push on Boylston.  The entire Boston race was quite surreal, being so far ahead of past races there (even if that was my expectation) and hitting my marks all along.  I was 42nd in the AG through the HM; 12th in the AG in the back half ...fun to know I had thirty 'kills' over the back half.  I was 6th in the AG on mile 21 (Heartbreak Hill).

A race or race training disappointment during 2021:

Coming down with a hamstring tendinopathy injury in the spring was frustrating and a little scary. Would it derail Boston?  Even several days before the formal start of Boston training, walking was the best that I could do.  While it slowed training to a degree through the early summer and probably cost me some stride length throughout, I was fortunately able to work through it.

Total training volume and successes during 2021:

New PRs of 2,000 miles and 30K of elevation.  The latter took a lot of effort since my neighborhood is distinctively flat.  Boston, of course, was a huge success.  The HM, while not a PR, was also a very successful race with a solid negative split and winning the AG by 13 minutes.

Lesson(s) you’ve learned during the year:

I need to focus on strength and flexibility to rebuild a long, strong stride.  I’ve got a natural advantage of long legs, but I can’t properly benefit from that without these areas of focus.  I definitely believe there's improvement to be made here.

Primary memories of other guys’ training, races, or life experiences in 2021:

What a fantastic bounce back year for so many.  A tough start for @SayWhat? with his wife’ injury, but then the great success of Western States.  So many incredible marathons – both successes and successful struggles (thinking of you, @MAC_32).  Really enjoyed hearing about the Indy experience for many of you.  Hoping to see @Juxtatarot bounce back to build on his amazing race-winning ways.  This community means a great deal to me and I truly appreciate the friendships formed.

Goal(s) for 2022:

For these next two years, I want to be careful about not letting training mileage and race scheduling overtake my stated focus on strength and flexibility.  I’ve signed up for a HM in May to give me some early focus.  Other racing is TBD.  The next marathon will likely be in fall, 2024 as I target Boston, 2026 and a top AG finish.

 
Well, I was right about being on the verge of something big. Knee is done and my running for this year right along with it. 


Oh man this is awful news.  I was just going to ask you about it here after seeing your Strava.

What's the prognosis?  Surgery?

 
That BB challenge looks awesome! 
I would never do it, but will be cheering for the nearsighted umpire. :clap:
I'm not going to get injured over this stupid challenge.  But its a way to get my fat rear end out there running in the winter (which I hate.)

If I can make it to January 13, I'll be really pleased.  Next week will be the tough week as the miles start to really pile up and I'm traveling for work and doing a bunch of events so my schedule is a mess.  

Whatever this base is, should bode well for my trip to Florida January 22-24 and I can get some longer runs in the sun.  And then, thankfully, its almost February.  

Not pacing Miami Marathon (February 6) this year, so was really needing motivation to run some miles.  Too much uncertainty with COVID (Omicron, flight craziness, etc.) and I'm not sure my wife would have been happy with me going to do that, so I bailed. 

Obviously, as I look to Boston in mid-April, it will be just a fun run.  Anxiously awaiting to hear if I get into Berlin for fall 2022.

 
Not pacing Miami Marathon (February 6) this year, so was really needing motivation to run some miles.  Too much uncertainty with COVID (Omicron, flight craziness, etc.) and I'm not sure my wife would have been happy with me going to do that, so I bailed. 
Meanwhile, I have tons of travel on the docket over the next 4-5 months.  Omicron, here I come!

 
Well, I was right about being on the verge of something big. Knee is done and my running for this year right along with it. 
I know that feeling.  Sucks big time.  After a few days of despair, hopefully you can move your mind to what you still can do and move on from there. 

 
I got the mild strain of the covid last week, which I think I'm finally past. at least, I don't feel like ### today for the first time in a week.

took my daughter to school today and hopped on the citibike to get home. the legs felt mushy and the throat/lungs felt like broken glass. 

NYC hm in March in genuine jeopardy. Even if I can get some training in, at this point the goal would only be to finish the damned thing and not go for the ridiculous 1:35 I listed as target time when I signed up for the thing (out of reflex). 

I run so few races, it sucks to have "just finish" as a goal... but then again, just finishing is better than not doing anything too.

and the achilles are still messed up. :sadtrombone:

Happy New Year!

 
Year end yadayada....

2021

total miles- 1,142

total elevation- 27,818

highlights-

- running a 5k with floppinho (his first), who ran just over 8s on no training and felt proud/great afterwards.

- finishing 2nd in that hm in the spring with a 1:34:something and running the race I planned for.

- getting into a nice consistent rhythm with the training of 4-6 runs/week and feeling it start to pay off.

lowlights-

- getting old.

- these ####### achilles.

- losing running for 4 months.

- finding 10+ pounds

2022 Goals

get the achilles right.

NYC 1/2?

get back into a healthy weekly rhythm with the training and see what the fall brings.

get both kids out running regularly- floppinho needs it to not turn into music/theater blob, floppinha needs it to take her tennis to a higher level.

 
I didn't want to workout yesterday. I was tired. Very tired. Then the day got away from me with work. By the time I had a window the cold front had come in and the wind developed into a dominant force. I eventually decided to head to the gym and do a light workout and...**siiigh**...the dreadmill. Then I got to the gym and those winds had knocked out the power. It was already dusk and after 2020's incident I swore off running in the dark. Not that it happened under a cloud of darkness, but a repeat is much more likely to happen in such circumstances. So, off day it was. And I didn't realize til just now when updating my training log that I hadn't had a day off since christmas. Not coincidentally I feel much more energized today vs yesterday.

Tl;Dr - sometimes it's important to remember the value in rest days. Gonna 2-a-day today though. Crossing limbs for as optimal of a diagnosis for our resident McConaughey as possible too.

 
In other news, I decided to take this week off from running.  In part, I'm super busy with research stuff and course preps for the start of the spring term on Monday.  A very cold week (today started at 0) reinforces the decision.  But I also want to force my mindset of not making mileage a priority throughout this year.  I have been doing strength and stretching routines ...even (finally) getting back to some squats and lunges.

 
Been saving this story for a dead time in the thread, but without further ado I bring you The Bear Comes Calling and Demands His Due.

So, I’ve mentioned on here before that I tend to have very little trouble with GI issues during running.  Part of it is probably genetic (“his mother was a mudder, Jerry”), part of it may be training.  When I first started getting into running more seriously, I had three kids in elementary school, and thus all of the scheduling hassle that entails.  So, I made it a point to try to conform my running to whatever schedule we were on, which often entailed putting in a few miles literally minutes after eating.  Bacon and eggs.  Lasagna.  Sausage sandwiches.  I ran on all of it, and it wasn’t always comfortable, but things always worked out fine.  Like Ken Griffey Jr., I had honed my gift into something special.  But, in a tale old as time, chronicled by Aesop and throughout mythology, greatness leads to hubris.  Arrogance.  Folly.

A few years back, I was training for a spring half marathon, which meant winter running.  One weekend I was scheduled to do 8 miles.  About a mile and a half in, my intestines started to complain.  They would cramp for a few uncomfortable seconds, and then it would pass.  If I had any port-o-pots or bathrooms on my route, I would have probably used one.  I could have swung by my house with a smallish detour around mile 4, but then I’d warm up and end up sweaty for the restart.  Don’t worry, friend – we’ve got this. 

As miles 5 and 6 slowly went by, I was more and more questioning my decision.  Surely cutting this short at 6.5 by taking the turn for home is the prudent course, yes?  But I’m supposed to run 8 miles, and I’ve already gutted out 4+ miles in discomfort, what’s 2 more?  I make the turn for a familiar path that I will use for an out and back to stretch this to 8.  Mile 7 is rough.  Like an expecting mother, the contractions are getting closer and closer.  I can feel the peristalsis trying to force things to a climax.  At about a mile from home, I am faced with a choice.  It’s sort of wooded, so if I have to do the deed this is the best chance I will get.  But it’s basically behind people’s backyards, and the trees are all deciduous and it is winter, so if someone is looking out…  I grit my teeth and continue.

…Which was probably a mistake, as a half mile later things are dire.  But, now the wooded spot is as far away as home, so it makes no sense to turn back.  I reach my neighborhood and the dam is showing all sorts of signs of breaking.  Do I start walking to reduce the jostling, or speed up to get home sooner?  I opt for the latter, and I am running fast but with hips thrust to keep things in check, almost my entire consciousness focused on my sphincter.  I turn onto my street, and all I am thinking is this would be the absolute worst spot to crap myself.  I’ve known some of these people for decades.  What if the downstairs bathroom is occupied?  I get onto my property and cut across the lawn.  I leap up the front stoop and fling the door open while still in motion, yelling “Out of my way!!!” as I careen towards the bathroom.  I pull my pants down, squat and let go in one motion, the waste airborne as it descends towards the water.  In about 5 minutes time I empty what seems to be my entire colon.

And then I shower, change into dry clothes, and lay down to relax.  Disaster has been averted and my friend Mr. Colon has once again proved his immeasurable worth.  But have I learned my lesson?  Has he truly forgiven me for what I put him through?  Can our relationship be what it once was?  Only time will tell, but to paraphrase Syrio Forel, “There is only one thing we say to the bear:  Not today!”

 
I leap up the front stoop and fling the door open while still in motion, yelling “Out of my way!!!” as I careen towards the bathroom.  I pull my pants down, squat and let go in one motion, the waste airborne as it descends towards the water. 
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

 
In other news, I decided to take this week off from running.  In part, I'm super busy with research stuff and course preps for the start of the spring term on Monday.  A very cold week (today started at 0) reinforces the decision.  But I also want to force my mindset of not making mileage a priority throughout this year.  I have been doing strength and stretching routines ...even (finally) getting back to some squats and lunges.
Again, I really, really want to be just like you when I grow up.

 
2th Annual FBG Year-End Report - 2021

Your goals coming into the year, and were they achieved?

The only goal going into the year was to PR in the half marathon, didn’t achieve that as I had a minor injury before my spring half.

Accomplishments or PRs in 2021:

PR at Broad Street (60:01) per the running calculators my best race ever.

2:54:40 at Monumental, a 4 minute PR.

Your proudest and/or best race (or segment within a race):

Monumental Marathon, my most satisfying race since I qualified for Boston for the first time in 2013. There were some really low points during that race, felt really good about getting through it.

A race or race training disappointment during 2021:

Getting injured before my spring half, the intensity of my training was too much for me. Also seeing so many people miss races because of injury. During training I visualized @Juxtatarotand @gruecd going for PRs with me at Monumental, I figured Gruecd and I would be pushing each other while Juxt would a good 5 minutes ahead of us. I was hoping @MAC_32 would change his mind and race Indy.

Total training volume and successes during 2021:

2,732 miles, my 2nd highest total ever. Since Dec 2010 I am up to over 25,000 miles, crossing 24,901 (circumference of Earth at the equator) in early December.   

Lesson(s) you’ve learned during the year:

Lower weight, marathon training, perfect racing conditions, and magic shoes help. Hansons half marathon plan is too intense for me, I need more time to recover in between workouts.

I missed racing a ton.

Primary memories of other guys’ training, races, or life experiences in 2021:

Blown away by what @SayWhat? was able to achieve on relatively low mileage.

It was really cool to meet @Dr_Zaius and his wife at the garden spot half marathon.

The 2021 summer had a lot of great training cycles: @tri-man 47, @bushdocda, and @SteelCurtain really stood out me.

Indy was the highlight of the year, everyone was as cool as you’d imagine. Mrs. @gianmarco 's BQ was a great, so was how Gian calmly handled the timing discrepancy situation for his wife, and his picture request text is still funny.  

Goal(s) for 2022:

I was burned out at the end of 2021, I am sorry took a lot time off from this place (and this being late) as I didn’t want to think about running. This week was supposed to be the start of 12 weeks of training for a half marathon, but my family and I caught Covid.

They say you shouldn’t make any decisions when running up a hill so I don’t have any goals at the moment.

 
FBG Year-End Report - 2021

Your goals coming into the year, and were they achieved?

Main goal was over 1K miles for the year and avoid injury and I’d say I hit that.  Also wanted a PR since I didn’t get any in 2020.  Ran two races without a PR so no on that one.  For the half it just wasn’t in me that day, the 5K it probably was if I hadn’t lost focus.

Accomplishments or PRs in 2021

Staying largely injury free was a big win.  Based on intervals and fartleks I also increased my top speed, which I’m hopeful will at some point translate into faster race times.

Your proudest and/or best race (or segment within a race)

Slim pickings here, but I am proud that I gutted out the late race fade in the half.  I definitely took an extended trip to the pain cave that day.

A race or race training disappointment during 2021

The 5K was definitely a fiasco.  I can’t remember another race where I just flat out failed to at least attempt my race strategy.

Total training volume and successes during 2021

1,277 miles for 2nd highest (behind 1,335 for 2020).  46K+ of elevation.

Lesson(s) you’ve learned during the year

I started doing some weight training and I definitely think it helped.  Unfortunately I quickly fell off the wagon, but I’m planning on being more consistent about it, even if it impacts the time running a little bit.

Primary memories of other guys’ training, races, or life experiences in 2021

Can’t not mention @SayWhat? as the ultramarathoners just amaze me.  @xulf grinding out a solid first marathon post-covid was crazy impressive.  @Juxtatarot and @tri-man 47 getting faster and faster despite being anything but newbies is inspiring.

It was also nice to finally meet someone from the thread IRL.  I had a great time with @pbm107 and his sister and friends – it was probably the first “normal” thing I did since the start of covid.  Narrowly missed @El Floppo at the beach, which can maybe be rectified this year.  Someone mentioned recently, but I’d be up for any east coast relay type shenanigans if we can find something.

Goal(s) for 2022

As I’ve discussed before, I still find myself torn on how much free time I want to spend running.  1K miles is a must but beyond that I’m not sure.  Want to do more weight training to increase general strength.  I have my local half coming up in April, for which I think I am going to try to do ~12 week plan and if the stars align maybe snag a PR there.   After that I’ll play it by ear.

 
Cortisone shot yesterday. Prescription for some anti-inflammatory meds. Knee is feeling really good today. Doc was super optimistic which shifted my mentality towards that. Had a great conversation with a good friend, and decided I’m not going to quit yet. Did a 30 minute Peleton ride this morning quit 15 mins through and threw up everywhere. That thing is no joke. Credit to all the riders in here. Working out upper body now and will rest until Monday and reevaluate. Sorry for pouting the other day.

 
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The wife is out at an event encouraging people to sign up for a marathon hike in the pinhotti. We might do it or may help host it. If y’all are interested, come on down!  https://secure2.wish.org/site/TR?fr_id=3944&pg=entry

(the 🐶 sleeps on my bed every night still, her wish apparently was for me to have a puppy. But she is great with her during the day)

 
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tri-man 47 said:
In other news, I decided to take this week off from running.  In part, I'm super busy with research stuff and course preps for the start of the spring term on Monday.  A very cold week (today started at 0) reinforces the decision.  But I also want to force my mindset of not making mileage a priority throughout this year.  I have been doing strength and stretching routines ...even (finally) getting back to some squats and lunges.
Great perspective here that helped me relax in plotting out my day. Sunny and 30's, but not sure I'll have the time nor ammo for any miles of consequence. It isn't the priority right now though. So I'll just get in what I can and enjoy whatever mileage it nets. Preciate ya  :thumbup:

 
The wife is out at an event encouraging people to sign up for a marathon hike in the pinhotti. We might do it or may help host it. If y’all are interested, come on down!  https://secure2.wish.org/site/TR?fr_id=3944&pg=entry

(the 🐶 sleeps on my bed every night still, her wish apparently was for me to have a puppy. But she is great with her during the day)
Hmm, mid-May is kind of tempting for a drive down!  I might be presenting at a data analytics in Orlando a week later ...I could use the extra days to try to catch visits with @Sand, @AAABatteries, and @JShare87.  I think y'all are the extent of our southern crew.

 
Took a shot at a 5k PR today

First time it really felt like a race to me, butterflies/nerves etc

I've learned that at my age a warmup is a necessity, did an actual warmup of 0.86 miles, then about 100m of walking and then off, no idea if this is a good strategy for warming up(I even stretched for 2 min before getting out of the house)

Went out way too hot, garmin shows 4:41 as my best pace, I know I looked at my watch early on and saw 5:45 and knew I was too fast, tried to settle in at 6:45 and figured after mile 2 I'd push hard the last mile to see where I was.  I was confident I could hold 6:45 for 2 miles.

Turned a corner at 1.1 miles and hit a wall of wind that was enough to end me which I'm not thrilled about(mentally) but good learning experience.

Nike magic sneaks felt fabulous but honestly not that different from my $94 saucony endorphin speeds.  Still they look so cool.

 

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