Trying to catch up November, believe it or not...

Catchup Part 2...

Saturday, November 2^nd – 6 miles.  Jogged 2 up with Megan to the 5K start over on 1^st and 47^th, right outside the United Nations Building.  Because of my utter stupidity, I wrote down “18:30” as my desired pace, thinking it was desired finishing time.  Thus, I received a race number that was probably the highest one available, and a good tongue lashing from Kyle on how stupid I was (very accurate and well deserved).  Anyways, I had the pleasure of trying to sneak into the Red Corral (1^st corral), which was blocked off by security who were pretty much checking every single bib that walked through.  Eventually made my way in (assist to Kyle to distracting one of the security guards so I could sneak in quickly), and we all walked our way up to the actual start.  Kyle and I decided we were going pretty easy, so just went out trying to establish position and enjoy the privilege of running in NYC.  And what a fun time it was – just bullsh*t the entire time, and got locked into a comfortable pace and had so much fun running through downtown New York City – I mean how often do they shut the streets down in one of the busiest cities in the world?  Ran down First Avenue and passed some scenic points like 30 Rock, and Radio City Music Hall.  We made our way into Central Park, and it was kind of a mess because there were so many walkers/joggers that weren’t running so I can only imagine the congestion later.  The turn towards Tavern on Green triggered a lot of fun memories from 2007.  We crossed the finish line together, and waited for Megan and Trisha to finish, then hung out before heading back to the hotel.  Met up with my aunt for dinner in Korea town at this very posh loungy Korean restaurant with unreal views of the city from multiple angles.  Fun, fun day!  21:30 was my 5K time.

Kyle and I post race

The masses lining up in their corrals

From Corral A

Walking up the start right outside the United Nations Building

Right before the start!

Running down First Avenue

Selfie

Motoring on

Ahhh - Central Park!

Last mile

Headed towards the finish

2nd race in NYC complete!

Group photo post race

Sunday, November 3^rd – 6 miles walking (probably more).  This isn’t going to count for my miles, but the craziness of the New York Marathon made for quite a bit of walking around the city.  Met with Katie (Shane’s wife) and Trisha over on 1^st and 87^th, then walked a good portion to try to get some space on the fence/side of the road so we could watch the runners.  Finally squeezed in, and managed to see Shane, Tim, and Marc all pass by before we walked over to Central Park about 5 blocks away.  I had forgotten how insane the crowds got in NYC, and the heavy wind and spitting rain on a cold day didn’t help.  Watched the runners go through before attempting to meet up with Tim on the other side of the park.  2 hours later (a train ride, cab ride, an hour of walking, and I'm sure I'm missing something else), we finally accomplished our task, and the celebration officially began!  After showering and cleaning up, headed out to dinner at Craftbar in Union Square (very, very good restaurant with reasonable prices) and hit the town for some celebratory drinks.  I’m glad my buddies have joined me as NYC Marathon alumni, and congratulations to all the runners for finishing what I strongly feel is the greatest marathon in the world!  Pretty special for me to spectate those guys, as they were all out to support me when I ran NYC in 2007 – pretty cool circular effect.

Number pickup

The pastrami on rye lived up to the hype!

Times Square

Rockafellar Center

Weird things happen the night before the marathon

First Ave spectating (right between Miles 17-18)

Central Park between Miles 23-24

Timmy!

Hair to the Victors!

Monday, November 4^th – 0!  Travel day back, and just didn’t get out.  Back was sore but still holding up ok. 

Tuesday, November 5^th – 4 miles.  And the comeback trail begins!  Slow 4 mile solo at home – 270 loop and some change.  Back was very stiff, but managed to move just fine.  The important thing was I didn’t feel any pain shooting down my legs, and eventually loosened up and got in a good groove.  By the way, I absolutely love fall running – it’s great to be able to run outside with either a short sleeve or long sleeve shirt, and not feel like I’m suffocating from sweat/heat.  The daylight’s saving time kind of sucks, as it’s completely dark by the time I get home from work.

Wednesday, November 6^th – 8 miles.  Couldn’t find anyone initially to run with, but eventually got Yoch to run with me.  Hit the mean streets of Collinsville and Maryville, and ran pretty late around the cities on a rolling hills loop out and back.  Felt a little tired starting out, but felt great coming back in with a tailwind coming back (15 mph winds and 45 degrees) so consequently pushed the pace a little.  I feel very tentative on hills, and there’s some strength I need to build up this winter.  First longer run in awhile, and was pleased with how I felt overall.  1:03:12 overall (32:26/30:46)

Thursday, November 7^th – 6 miles.  Ran Forest Park loop with Justin and Craig after work.  Wow was it dark out there!  Fortunately, both those guys brought head lamps, so we cruised around the loop for my first FOPA run in God knows how long?  Back held up ok, and was difficult to see running through the woods but we made it through fine.  Stopped by Heavy Riff in Dogtown on the way back – cool, clean place with some good taps on their menu.  52:54 for 10K loop

Friday, November 8^th – 6 miles.  Ran Forest Park loop with Orrico and Gibbs during lunch.  Nice, sunny day but windy.  We did some an improvised loop that is generally the same as the typical loop, but with some different turns.  Legs are definitely feeling the 4 days in a row of running and everyone was tired, so we kept it nice and slow.  Feels good to have this one over with.  52:48 for 10K.  Had dinner at this steakhouse in St. Rose, IL (north of Highland) called Popeye’s Chophouse.  Pretty damn amazing, and we will be back!

Saturday, November 9^th – 6 miles (4 miles a.m., 2 miles p.m.).  The original plan was to hit 8 for the day with Colby and Crystal (he was scheduled to hit 3000 miles at the same point of my 2000^th), but then Erin went into labor so Colby was out.  Crystal and I met up, and did 4 easy on the trails towards Home Depot and back.  A lot warmer than I thought, and I was sleepwalking through the first part before we started moving.  30:02 total and felt like garbage, but more self-induced from the evening before.  Went out to help celebrate Crystal’s birthday, and had a fun night out in STL – Happy Birthday Crystal!!!  And congratulations to Colby and Erin on their healthy son, Grayson David Garman!!!

Me and the future Boston qualifier

Sunday, November 10^th – 0!  Opted for day off during this comeback period, and will save the ceremonial 2000^th mile for Monday!  

Monday, November 11^th – 6 miles.  Ran with Crystal after work on a nasty evening with 15-20 mph winds and spitting rain.  We decided to run on the trails to try to block out some of the wind, but didn’t help too much because it was strong as hell regardless.  Eventually found our turnaround, and it was pure bliss flying back with a massive tailwind.  Felt pretty awesome, and could feel myself naturally pushing the pace so had to hold back.  We hit a couple sub 7’s to close out the run – don’t remember the last time I did that on a non workout run.  Happy 2000^th mile to me!  43:13 total (22:15/20:58).

Tuesday, November 12^th – 0!  Had to run to a wake after work for Mike’s dad, and got home pretty late so ended up missing this run.  No excuses I know, but was feeling a little sore from pushing it yesterday and the rest day was nice.

Wednesday, November 13^th – 6 miles.  Ran with Craig and TVR at Forest Park.  I’ve been used to running with Crystal and her ridiculous paces the last couple days, so felt like we were literally jogging.  I can definitely feel myself getting stronger, which is a very positive thought.  The loop flew by, and we were pretty much on cruise control the entire time.  Had to hold myself back quite a few times, which is a different feeling than I pretty much experienced most of this year.  49:06 for 6 miles.