18 Days and counting

Well the NJ A.C. Marathon date is quickly approaching, 18 days and counting.   Did a nice 5.5 mile run today in some beautiful cool Fall weather.

I am really feeling pretty good these days with my running distances and times.  I have to give thanks to @EnergyBits for giving me the extra boost I need during my runs to get them done.

Went and got a new pair of sneakers last week and have been running with them now for a couple runs, they are feeling pretty good, even considering using them for the Marathon.  They will have close to 80 miles on them by the time the marathon day comes around.

Well today I ran 5.5 miles it was supposed to be a easy paced run.  I started out trying to keep it easy but the nice cool weather was so darn tempting and I was feeling so good that I just couldn't hold back.

Mile      Pace
1           8:14
2           6:47
3           7:59
4           6:50
5           7:37

For an average pace of 7:31 per mile with a 41:31 finish time.

I have to be careful come marathon race day, I need to keep my pace slow for the 5 or so miles then I can inch up a little.  

Well have a great day running all. 

Let the taper begin

Well Saturday was my last long run 18 miles done and now the taper begins.  20 days till the NJ AC Marathon, I think I am in pretty good shape for this one.  Given that I haven't been able to get all the training runs done due to family issues.  I feel confident that I will be able to get this one finished, maybe not in the time that I was looking for this year, but I will get it done.

I will have to wait until next year to make my run for a new PR in a marathon finish.

So anyways, I was able to finish my 18 miles in 2:36.41 average pace just under 9 minute miles. I am pretty happy with that pace, but I will need to start out the marathon a little bit slower for the first 4 or 5 miles, just to make sure I have some juice at the end of the race.

Today was a easy 5 mile run, perfect weather for a nice noon time run with my running partner. 5.25 mile run in 45.02 for a 8.57 average pace.

Like I said feeling pretty good with my running right now and I have to say that @EnergyBits has been playing a big part in how I have been feeling lately.  #PoweredByBit Thanks to @EnergyBits for getting me back out on the road running and feeling great.  Feeling energized and raring to get out that and run.

Have a great running day all.

Marathon Training / EnergyBits update

Well feeling pretty darn good after today's run.   Went for a run with my normal running buddy, we have been running together for about 3 years now and have done multiple races together.  She normally kicks my butt as far as pace goes, which I don't mind since she is in great shape and about 12 years younger than I am.  

But today, thanks to @EnergyBits she was the one that had a bit of a challenge keeping up the pace with me today on our 5 mile run. Thanks to #PoweredByBits I was finally able to give her the challenge that she has always been giving me. 

So today I had a great run 5.36 mile run and was feeling pretty darn good about my pace.

Mile      Pace
1           8:24
2           7:40
3           7:52
4           7:10
5           8:21

For an average pace of 7:55 per mile with a 42:26 finish time.


Tomorrow is the big test, how can @EnergyBits do with a 20 mile run.  Last big run before the marathon, and then taper begins next week. 

Have a great running weekend everyone.  

Rest day today

Today is a rest day, but we all know what that means.  How many people actually rest on a rest day?  I usually find some activity other than running to do on a rest day.  Going to the gym for some weight training, or maybe even just some stretching and foam roller action.

20 mile training run coming up this weekend, hoping for some really nice weather and some good running.  As part of my 20 mile run I will do a 8.4 mile lap for Back On My Feet 20in24 challenge in Philly.  Doing this with 4 other members from my day job.  Yeah I work 2 jobs and run 5 days a week along with other stuff.  Don't know how my girlfriend puts up with me. :)  

This weekend is my last long run before the marathon, taper starts next week.  23 more days till the Atlantic City NJ Marathon, getting that little nervous feeling in my stomach.   You would think this is my first marathon, but it will by my 4th, so I should be used to this and ready for it, but I still have this little nervous twinge in my stomach.  

I was thinking about what my next challenge should be, and I have been reading a lot of post online about people that have run consecutive days, this one guy has run 667 days in a row.  That is pretty amazing.  So I was sorta thinking something along those line and possible signing up for an Ultra Marathon, but not sure about what to do yet.  Well I have a few more weeks to decide, once the marathon is over I will start my next challenge.  If you have any ideas let me know them.

2 Good runs so far this week.

There has been some excellent running weather here in Philly these last couple of days.  Temps in the 50's to start the day getting to a high of 70 by afternoon, with low humidity and the sun has been shining nicely.

So Yesterday I had a nice 5.25 mile run and was feeling pretty good with my pace.

Mile      Pace
1          9.05
2          8:16
3          8:28
4          8:26
5          8:35
For an average pace of 8:33 per mile with a 45:07 finish time.

Then today I get out ready to do another 5 miles, turned out to be 5.33, I guess I was feeling pretty good and my pace was a heck of a lot better.  Everyday I am getting better and back to my old running self. 

Mile      Pace
1          8:26
2          7:37
3          7:19
4          7:50
5          8:01
For an average pace of 7:47 per mile with a 41:31 finish time.

Feeling a definite performance increase with @EnergyBits. My last 2 runs #PoweredByBits and my pace has been increasing with each run.

Have a big 20 mile training run on Saturday, hoping that @EnergyBits will make it a good one. 

Have a some great running everyone.  

Rock & Roll Philly Half done

Well it was a beautiful Sunday morning for a Half Marathon.  Couldn't have asked for better temps and sunshine.

I had a pretty good race started out pretty strong going a little be faster than my normal pace for the first couple of miles, then I dropped it back to my regular pace, cause I knew I wouldn't be able to keep going at that pace.  I actually ended up with a pretty good time 02:04:16

Here is my rankings:
Overall: 7711 out of 24295
Division: 329 out of 726
Gender: 4176 out of 8552
5 km = 26:57  10km = 55:02 10mi = 1:33:07
Pace = 9:29

I am happy with my results given the lack of proper training that I have had over the last couple of months.

Next up full Marathon in Atlantic City NJ on October 13th.

Just a quick shout out to @EnergyBits,  Took the recommended 30 tablets about 20 minutes before the start of the 1/2 marathon and I felt great the whole race, didn't have to stop an take any GU's along the way.  

Resting today and then back to training tomorrow, need to get ready for the big 20 mile run this weekend.

Have a great day all.

Race Packet pick up day

Well got my race packet today for the Rock & Roll Philly Half on Sunday, Bib number 8614 corral #8.

While I was at the expo I decided to take advantage of the free Gait Analysis being done by Brooks.  Seem I have a normal running gait but they suggested that I get a different running shoe than what I currently use.  Right now I run with Nike Free+ 3.0, they are suggesting a shoe with a little more padding and support in the mid foot area.  The Brooks Glycerin 11 or the PureFlow 2 are the shoes they recommend for me.  I haven't run in Brooks before so just wondering what others think about Brooks compared to Nike running shoes?

At any rate the change will need to wait until after the AC Marathon at the least, don't want to be changing up shoe a month before a big race.

I also signed up for the Rock & Roll Philly Half for 2014 while at the expo.  They were offering a $15 discount and a free chilled water bottle.   So now I have 2 races registered for 2014.


That is all I have for now.
Good Running this weekend.

Training update, stretching / rest day.

Today is a stretching / rest day, but I was thinking of adding some light weight training to the mix.  

Sunday is the Rock & Roll Philly Half marathon, looking forward to this one.  I have been feeling pretty good lately with my running getting stronger and faster each run.  Sunday will be the true test. just have to remember to keep my pace at the start of the race and not get caught up in what everyone else is trying to run.  I made that mistake on my first big race, I was feeling good and tried to keep up with the faster runners until around mile 10 of 26.2 then I slowed to my normal pace, but at that point it was too late.  7 more miles down the road and BAM!!! hit that wall pretty darn hard.  I managed to finish the race but, not at the time that I had prepared/trained to run.  It wasn't really that bad of a finish time, just not what I was prepared to run. But I think I have learned my lesson and will concentrate on making sure I stick to my pace. 

Tomorrow will be an easy 4 mile run then a rest day on Saturday in prep for the 1/2 on Sunday. 

Well on a positive note my @EnergyBits have arrived today. #PoweredByBits  Can't wait to get them incorporated into my training and racing.  One question for those that take EnergyBits, Do you take them everyday?  Do you take the recommended 30 bits everyday or just on days you are training or racing? 

Have a great day all. 

9.11 miles ran

Well I did it, I Got out there this morning an ran my 9.11 in remembrance of all those that lost their lives 12 years ago today, for those that have lost their lives fighting for our freedom, and for all those that continue fighting for our freedom. May we never forget this day.


I thought maybe if I get out early it won't be so bad temp / humidity wise, but that didn't work out so good.  The temp wasn't so bad but the humidity was killer.  I got back from my run and even my sneaker were soaked. 

It was a pretty good run otherwise, felt pretty good going out the 4.5 miles but a little sluggish after the turn around and coming back, at about mile 6 I was really feeling it but I pushed through and around mile 7 I was back to feeling good.  

I should have had some more fuel with me but I wasn't really thinking this morning, I just knew I had to get out and get my 9.11 miles done.  Poor planning on my part, but it helped me realize I can do more than I thought I could. 

Distance run 9.11 average pace per mile 8:49 total time 1:20.21.

Now if I can keep that pace up for another 4 miles I'll be able to finish the Rock N Roll Half this weekend with a PR. 

Have a great day everyone, back for more running tomorrow. 

Rest day today. Will do some stretching today.

Well today I elected to take a rest day.  The weather here in Philly is changing and it is getting hotter again. mid 80s today and into the 90s tomorrow.

But my rest day is for good reason as I will get out early and run tomorrow morning.  Going to run 9.11 miles in memory of the 9/11 anniversary and for all those that we lost and for those that were and are still affected by the events on that terrible day.

I still remember where I was and what I was doing that very morning, and how at first it was reported that a small plane had crashed into the towers.

I don't know anyone that was directly affected by this senseless act of cruelty, but it makes me sad to just think about that day and all the lives that where changed by a bunch of cowardly people.

I guess in reality every one's life was changed in some way due to these people, some more cruelly and dramatically then most, but we have all seen and felt the results of their actions.

I dispise what they have done to our country, and our lives.

So tomorrow I will run 9.11 miles to remember this day and to show my respect for those that were lost, those that are still suffering, and those that are still fighting for our freedom.

Day 15 update to marathon training

Beautiful day here in Philly, low humidity and temps in the 70's great day for running.  Got out there today and got my 5 miles in and did it at a pretty good pace. 

Mile      Pace
1          8:01
2          8:09
3          8:04
4          8:05
5          7:45
For an average pace of 8:01 per mile with a 40:09 finish time.

I was pushing my pace the last 1/2 mile or so, just for some fun :)

Felt pretty good out there today, so happy to be back running full time now and happy to be getting back to my normal endurance and pace.  

Sunday is the Rock N Roll Half Marathon here in Philly looking forward to the race and hoping to come up with a good time.  Shooting for under 2 hours this go around. 

Keep up the training and have a good run today. 

Weekend update Marathon training

Well the weather was perfect for running, and I did my fair share and felt pretty darn good.   

This weekend I tried some EnergyBits, I tried them once before but I wasn't really in the right frame of mind to really give them a fair chance, with all that was going on in my life at that point in time.  

I have been reading a lot about this product and the all the positive feedback they are getting, so I decided to get them another chance.  On Saturday I took the EnergyBits about 20 minutes before I went for my run, from the start I really didn't feel much of a difference in my first 2 miles but then heading into mile 3, it wasn't a big difference but I could feel that I had something more in my tank, giving me a little extra sorta motivation.  I kept running and running, before I knew it I was at mile 6 and still feeling pretty darn good, so I just kept running.  

So I would say that the EnergyBits made a difference in my running this time around.  My only problem is I only had half of what the recommended dose, so I wonder how I would have felt with the full recommended dosage.  

Well this morning it placed an order for a months supply of EnergyBits.  Check them out at http://www.energybits.com.  There have four different types, Energy, Skinny, Recovery and Vitality bits.   I ordered the EnergyBits, they are made from 100% organicallly grown spirulina algae and loaded with 40 nutrients.

I really suggest you check them out and give them a try.   More to come once I get my delivery which I am hoping will be before the weekend. 

Day 12 back on track for Marathon training

Well it is a beautiful day here on the East coast for running, cool temps and the sun is shining.  Got out there today and run a nice 4.25 miles.

Mile         Pace
1              8:25
2              7:54
3              7:01
4              8:02

For an average pace of 7:50 per mile with a 33:09 finish time.

Not a bad run at all, finally getting back into the swing of running again.  Feels good to be back out there laying down some miles.   I am just hoping I have enough time to be ready for the NJ AC Marathon coming up on October 13th.  This weekend I have a 20 mile run scheduled in my training plan, but I am not sure that I am ready to do a 20 yet.  I will give it a shot and go for what I can and then make up the rest on the next day. 

Back on Track day 11

Well it was a nice day to run again today, 78 degrees partly cloudy and low humidity. :-)  Got out there at lunch time and got a nice 5.16 mile run in.

Mile      Pace
1           8:55
2           7:40
3           8:07
4           8:13
5           8:40
For an average pace of 8:20 per mile with a 43:01 finish time.

Not a bad pace for a 5 mile run, put I know I will not be able to keep that pace up for the Rock & Roll 1/2 coming up next weekend.  I will have to make sure to pace myself at the start so I don't burn myself out early in the race.  I am looking for a 1:58 finish time so I will need to keep a 9:00 pace which should be doable.

This weekend is my longest run this training set, 20 miles, luckily it is supposed to be a good weekend cool and low humidity.  Just need to get out early on Saturday morning.

 Well that is my update for today.  Hope you are all having a great day.

Training day 10.

Hello All,

Training day #10 on track for a 5 mile run today.  The humidity has finally broken here on the East coast so today should be a good day for a run.

Not much to report today but I will give you an update later on how my run turned out.

Leaving work early today, Doctor appointment then off to do my run.  Getting the old heart checked out, make sure everything is working the way it should be.  

More to come later.

Back on track day 9

Well I haven't posted in a while but I have been keeping up with my running, but I have a question I would like to ask.

I have been finding it difficult to run longer distance without have to stop and take a walking break to catch my breath.  I am good at the 5 mile distance but once I go beyond that I find myself needing to stop and take a short walking break to catch my breath.  Once I take the break I can continue on running for a couple more miles.  I have tried slowing my pace from the start of my long runs but that doesn't seem to make a difference.  Anyone have any other suggestions on what I can try to increase my distance without having to stop?

BTW: Bella went to the Doctor for a follow up visit today for her eye and the Doctor says it is healing nicely, she has to go back in 2 weeks for a follow. There is still a small chance that she could develop an infection in her eye.  We have to keep a watch on it for now and keep applying drops.