Saturday, January 28, 2012

Belleville Pond 10k Trail Race

First of all I want to send out props to Mike Galoob and crew; who ran a well organized, well marked course, but most importantly a very fun race today. 
Kate and I at the finish
I had been kicking around the idea of jumping up to a 10k trail race when I saw this one listed on line.  Not knowing anything about it, I decided to run it.  And later talked my fitness queen niece, Katelyn into running it with me.
Got there early, on what turned out to be a beautiful January day.  Sunny and mid-40's.  It had rained a lot yesterday so I expected a muddy course, but it drained out really well, and with the exception of a very few spots the footing was pretty good. 
I had planned on really just using this as a training run, but per usual for me I went out to fast and the quads would remind me of it around mile 4, but not enough to stop me.  Had planned on running somewhere around 1:15, with not knowing the trail, the anticipated mud, and just not in shape to run a heck of a lot faster.  But came in just over 1:06, so I was pretty happy with the day as a whole.
I continue to be very happy with the NB Minimus, although I am still working on perfecting my stride and midfoot strike, but that will come in time.  No ref'ing today, but will get a run over at Gilbert tomorrow morning, before I have to head to coach and then two late games to ref.
Until then, Be Well ~ Sank

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

50 degrees in New England in January - gotta love it

I had seen this video last week and meant to post it, but never got around to it.  So I'll post it now.  With the 2 small snowfalls we had last week, it's a good motivational tool on those days that you dont feel like getting out there in the cold and wet.  Although I have to admit that so far this year, I have looked forward to getting out there in whatever the weather was, and actually looked forward to the different scenarios that were thrown at me; be it from weather, work and life restrictions, or time of day. 

So with temps today in the low 50's, I am definitely going to get my butt out on (HOPEFULLY) some trails tonight.  Just got a pair of Knucklelights, that I tried out last night on the roads.  So I am going to strap them on tonight along with my headlamp, and do all I can to hit Gilbert.  After a couple runs, I'll do a quick review on them. 

So enjoy the video, the scenery is absolutely beautiful.  Not to mention that Anton Krupicka makes it look so effortless.

Be well ~ Sank

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Scared and close to a decision

Ok so for those of you that come over from Dailymile I know that some of what I write is repetitive, but I can go in more detail and rant on more over here.  Anyway, so last night by the time ran some errands, got home, and took a few minutes to hang with my roommates (Jack and Belle), I grabbed my stuff to hit the trails for a cold early evening run.  I had tried out a headlamp that I had bought at a local discount tool store, which I have to admit, with the exception of that it shines a tad low, the fit and stability of it just work for me.  So I hit Gilbert a little after dusk, and started up the trails.  I hadn't really gone out at night on the trails before so it was all new to me.  The wind was really whistling and as the night got darker and colder, all the little sounds started getting a lot clearer and even more scarier.
At one point I was running next to this pond, and I don't know what the hell made that noise, but it wasn't human and I wasn't sticking around to ask.  At this point, I just want to get the run over and quick.  I stayed on the fire roads and just got chugging.  On my way back I had to go thru this one section that is very dark even in the daytime, but it is really really creepy at night.  Once again, I either heard something or my very active imagination heard something, but I was about a 1/2 mile from being out and I took off. 
Well until I stubbed my toe on a rock, went down pretty good and (which I would really find out later) tore up my left knee pretty good.  But fear is a good motivator.  The hell with the knee, I was getting the hell out of there.  Whatever creature was in there wasn't going to eat me while I was checking out a few scrapes.   So up I bounced and out there I went.  You know in hindsight, although I was admittedly pretty scared, it was fun as hell!  Can't wait to do it again.

I've been doing some research and looking into it, and I'm really leaning towards doing the Vermont 50 miler this September.  I know it's a lot of work and mileage, but I know that I will find the time to get it done.  With a goal of less than 10:59:59 it would also make me eligible for entry in the Western States Lottery for the 2013 race.  Probably getting a bit a head of myself, but what the hell, that's what goals and aspirations are for, right?

Enjoy your day, Be Well ~ Sank

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Weekend project

Woke up this morning and cautiously put my foot to the ground, wondering how my right ankle was going to react after yesterday's 4.6 mile trail run in Gilbert.  Nothing, nothing at all.  Cant tell you enough how pysched I was of that.  I was really concerned as this ankle has been an issue for me for a long long time, and how it was going to handle the change over to the NB Minimus (still loving them) and the increase in mileage as I start to increase it for my 50k (that I havent selected yet). 

Ankle history:  I had a metatarsal ankle fusion surgery back when I was in high school.  Basically they graphed a bone off my hip and fused the small bones that run to the ankle together.  It was so long ago I dont really remember why, just that my parents used to tell me that I limped when I was a kid.  It never stopped me from doing sports, but I was generally the last kid doing laps.  ANYWAY.... enough with the history lesson.  I had gone to a Dr a few years ago, when I started running again after taking about 10 years off after doing marathons and tons of triathlons.  The Dr said that I was just going to have to deal with it.  No shit, really?!?!?!

So back to today.  I am so happy that I passed this test.  Will take today off as a rest day (although I really have the itch to hit the trails again). 

Renovation update:  Some of you that read the blog had commented on my renovation project so I figured I would update you to this weekend's project.  Last post on the renovation I showed the door and window I had put in.  This past week/weekend, I finished the removal of the two 8 ft sliders and the replacement of them with the 5 36inch double hung windows.  Will insulate them this week and them move over the heat to the mudroom that never had it.  I know Jack and Belle (my 2 chocolate labs) will be happy to have some additional heat in their room.


Enough for now, Be well ~ Sank

Monday, January 16, 2012

Two tests two passes

After bailing out of my last two games refereeing (basketball) yesterday with my sore ankle, I was tentative about going out today but after taking the day off to help out my mom, I decided to test out the ankle, and get another run in with the NB Minimus. 
Per usual, I went over to F Gilbert State Forest in Foxborough, and started on the Heart Trail.  It starts with a fairly tough rocky techinical trail, but it seems to get the legs going early.  The ankle felt good after the first 1/2 mile or so, so I kept branching off to longer trails that I knew had cutbacks to the entrance if I needed them.  I did have to walk a couple of the steeper uphills, but all in all I was extremely happy with my ankle, the longest trail run of the year and how the Minimus feel.
Probably going to end up taking tomorrow off as Tuesday are an extremely long day, but after today Wednesday cant come soon enough.
Until then, Be Well ~ Sank

Friday, January 13, 2012

Misc items

Been kind of a weird week between work, home, some 24-36 hour bug that dragged me down a bit and just life in general.  But I did want to touch on a few things I've been thinking about so I could clear out some space in my head for some other useless stuff.


Minimus - Well I ended up returning the Minimus that I bought on ebay (the vendor was awesome and quick with the return).  Anyway so I went down to CitySports on Boylston St in Boston and bought the MT10 with the 4mm drop.  Rushed home, changed and raced out to F Gilbert State Forest Tuesday night.  It was past dusk and I forgot my headlamp in the rush, so I was running very carefully in the dark, but all in all I was pleased.  I had to go a size larger so I was concerned that I was going to have issues with the toe box on the downhills, but they stayed snug around my feet and comfortable.  They had a similar feel to my VFF (Vibram Five Fingers) but maybe the lack of having my toes separated gave me more of a comfort level when going over the roots and rocks.  I also have been wearing them off and on to try to get my feet used to the difference in lift but as of now I am very happy with the shoes.

Dailymile - I had been kicking around in the past with Dailymile.  For those of you not familiar with it, it's kind of a runner/triathlete/athlete specific version of Facebook.  Once set up (which is extremely easy) it interfaces/sync's with the Garmin and inputs the information over to Dailymile.  It then posts on the site keeping track of runs, courses, etc.   But I have to say that most important to me, is the motivation and camaraderie that all of the athletes show towards one another.  Regardless of the pace, length of activity, etc... it seems that everyone is very supportive.  Just another small help on those days when you need it.

Race Planning - Trying to not get ahead of myself too much, but although my running this year is in it's infancy, I am very happy with my running to date and that my ankle soreness is bearable while I am working on strengthening it.  It is fairly easy to find a 5k or 10k any weekend (especially on roads), but I am trying to decide on a 50k for mid-summer and perhaps a 50m for the fall.   But am understandably nervous about trying to figure out if I will be ready to run it in that short a time.   Nothing ventured nothing gained, I know, but ........ 


Enough for now.  Can't wait for the weekend to hit the trails.  Have some renovations to do, and I'm refereeing 7 games, but I am definitely going to find time to strap on the new shoes and explore Gilbert.
Have a great weekend,
Be Well ~ Sank







Tuesday, January 10, 2012

PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO

I was going to take a moment to bitch about the NB minimus that I ordered on ebay that were the wrong size and that I have to send them back, and then how I had to go and actually hit a store and try on a new pair..............blah, blah, F'ing blah. 
But someone sent me this video, and it kind of puts things in perspective.  I hope you have 5:04 minutes to watch it. 
Hey if you read this blog, it means chances are strong you run and are outside. 
PLEASE WATCH THIS, and send it to people you know.
Be well ~ Sank

Monday, January 9, 2012

First week, Birthday wishes and Thanks

First week down (well actually 8 days) but I'm digressing early in this post.  Actually pretty happy with getting out there 5 times between the trails and roads.  The shin has been a little tight during runs, but mostly on those days when I haven't truly stretched it out as much as I should.  You would think at my age I would have learned more patience, but..... not really.  My ankle (that I had reconstructed using my hip bones many many many years ago) has been a tad sore.  But that happens in the beginning of getting back to running.  But the same stretches for my shin, also help the ankle. 
Hello Stupid (yeah I'm talking to myself here) do you notice any trends here?  Old dogs and new tricks I guess.


My RoadID and my new NB Minimus are supposed to be delivered today, so I am very excited about that.  The Minimus are the trail version, so with my luck it will probably snow 3 ft, but looking at the weather forecast I think I'll dodge that bullet for a bit.  Going to try to keep the same work schedule of getting in super early so I can hit the trails after work.  The days are getting longer, but slowly.  Still need to master the art of running trails at night. 


Going to take today as a rest day, after 3 in a row.  To steal Terry Francona's phrase (or maybe it was Jimy Williams - well one of the Red Sox Manager's), it's a marathon not a sprint.  Been looking at race calendar's and websites to see which 50k I'm going to do this year.  Very anxious and excited.  Thinking I can pull that off by May and who knows maybe do the Vermont 50, in the 50 mile catagory. 

Happy 10th Birthday to my boy, Jack. 


Thanks to EJ, from URG, for her comments the other day.  Sometimes, we all need a little reminder and kick in the back-side. 


Well that's it for now.  Safe running for you all.
Be Well ~ Sank

Friday, January 6, 2012

Minimus

I've been kicking around the idea of getting some of the New Balance Minimus shoes and yesterday while on ebay I found a pair; my size, at almost $35 less than the retail, and they'll take them back if they dont fit, so I figured, what the heck do I have to lose.  Oh and did I mention free shipping too?

So they shipped same day and I should get them on Monday.  Can't wait. 

And at the same time I found this video about the shoes, but a small insight (well from my perspective anyway) of Anton Krupicka. 

Hoping to get a run in tonight, but very tight time constraints so I'm thinking probably not. 



Have a good day all,
Be well ~ Sank

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Road ID Coupon

Hey Everyone,

I just ordered a Road ID - perhaps you've heard of it. If you haven't, go to their website and check it out. Road ID is a great product that could save your life someday.
When I ordered, they gave me a coupon that I could pass along to my friends. Here's the coupon number: Coupon Number: ThanksTodd9759494
The coupon is good for $1 off any Road ID order placed by 02/05/2012. To order, simply go to RoadID.com or click the link below:

http://www.RoadID.com/?CID=ThanksTodd9759494

If you prefer, you can call them at 800-345-6336.

Be well ~ Sank

2nd run of year and Movie night

Well I finally got out again last night.  Albeit my shortest course, but by the time I got home from work AND the fact that I layered up (it was 18 degrees and windy), I did it.  Got home, took the Garmin off, transferred the data, clicked on the internet - NO CONNECTION.  WTF's up with that.  Something about a Winsock or WindSock or Tubesock error, whatever it is, but no internet connection for me.

Oh well, so I did the Nelson Loop of 2.54 miles.  But most importantly I felt really really good.  Shins tightened up a little bit (2 brief walk stretch periods) but regardless of the time or not I am very happy with the way the run turned out, especially considering that it was only my 2nd one of the year.

So I ended up posting my miles manually to Dailymile, but hopefully I can get that fixed today.  Oh well, if that's the worse thing that happens this week, I'll consider myself lucky.



UNBREAKABLE - Finally had the chance to sitdown last night (skipped the Bruins/Devils game - Bruins kicked the Devils ass BTW) and watch the 2010 WS100 Unbreakable movie.  It was a lot of fun to watch and definitely will be on the "need some motivation" movie list.  Having never run a 100 mile race, it was eyeopening to see how it goes.  It was amazing to see the resilience and drive that Geoff Roes displayed. 

I give it and enthusiastic   CC

Siskel and Ebert eat your hearts out!

Until next time, Be Well ~ Sank

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Yesterday and Tonight

We'll go back to yesterday first:
Really had planned to trying to get a run in, but I got up earlier, started some construction around the house while the weather was high 40's and just didn't get to the roads.  I have a series of windows and sliders that have seen there better days.  So I've been looking at the house alot over the past month or so, to see exactly what I wanted to do with it, now that I am back in it completely. 

So I started on Saturday by taking out three windows, covering two and enlarging the third opening.

Saturday's work












Yesterday I decided to take out the slider, and put in a new window and a nice big 36 inch wide door with half glass.  Really happy with the results.

Inside view
Outside view


Now for today:
For those of you that are not familar with the Western States 100, it is a grueling 100 mile trail race going back to 1974, when Gordy Ainsleigh, decided to attempt the Western States "100 mile - One Day" trail ride on foot.  Well 23 hours and 42 minutes later he completed the run and in the process became the founder of modern trail ultrarunning and the Western States 100 was born.

So I came back from vacation today and totally forgot that I had ordered UNBREAKABLE, the documentary of the 2010 race.  Here's a link -> CLICK HERE if anyone wants to go look at the website yourself.  Cant wait to get home tonight, go for a quick run, and sit down and watch this.  I'll review it more in detail in the next couple days.
I actually stole this from another blog I saw today (stupidly I forgot to write it down so I could give them credit for it - msredrunning/blogspot.com - I think).

Anyway I liked it so I'm stealing it and posting it.

Move Posts later

Be well ~ Sank