Monday, July 29, 2013

Who has Crabs

Congratulates to the Walkers on a great showing at Crabman – all three placing in age group. Jeff, just think, next year when you move up - I bet there will be only 4 or 5 in that age group ;). Did you see the times in that age group – wow – strong group.
Tommy 5K – welcome to the TRI group, you ROCKED Crabman. Although you are in the most difficult age group for TRI’s, no doubt you will place soon. Good job – let me guess you were hurting before the start J
Cutchley – BIG congrads. You did it / welcome to the TRI group. Next year we will get you out training with the group. I read your blog, you got up with the 4:45 club – see not that bad.
Awesome job ALL – can’t wait for the stories on race day. Please note, Jeff has to go first because at his age he won’t remember soon.

Blessing of the Fleet 10 Mile Road Race

I finally got to run this pinnacle of a local road race. Whenever you mention to a local runner who has run the Blessing you get an unpleasant response – a love hate thing - all because of the hazy, hot and humidity. Unfortunately or fortunately I was not able to experience the three H’s as the temperature was around 78 and light rain with little humidity.
As with any night time race the anxiety builds all day. What to eat, when to eat, did I drink enough, what time to leave - oh the emotions. Lucky for me the logistics were very accommodating – Jeff had gotten our race bibs and shirts a week before, plus the Walkers offered to join them for the ride up. This was the way to go because when we got to the exit for Narragansett – bumper to bumper traffic. We were commenting how runners were parking at the Stop & Shop and running to the registration location than back to their cars – suckers. I was in air condition car getting pre-race course instructions from Jeff who was going to mentor Matthew who was also running this race for first time (I’ll come back to this mentoring point in moment). As we were getting closer to drop off point we decided to just stop the car, get out and let Jana (from Jana Sport Photography) drive to the finish line. All three of us had to find the bathroom (tree). After we quickly stretched we went for a short warm up. I felt little rushed plus the amount of people the nerves started to set in. On the way back Jeff had us stop just beyond the start line on the side walk. We must have been there 5 minutes and then someone (race official) said get ready. Holly cow – everyone piled into the narrow street shoulder to shoulder. Jeff said jump up and look down the street – as far as I could see runners everywhere – OMG. By the way Tommy 5k, plenty of sights to see – must do next year (Hi Julie). The race started on time as we begun the pursuit. Why do 8 minute milers get up front – why. After dodging through this field of runners for the first ½ mile you were able to start you run. The first mile I ran 6:15 – I had no goal as this was longest race sense knee operation 3 month ago. I felt good but decided to slow up just a little. By the second mile I was around 6:40 pace feeling better. Just past the mile 3 marker and who comes from behind, Justin Kane – another local runner who does fun run and races (tall guy) plus Mathew and his mentor. All 4 of us ran from mile 3 to mile 7 or 8 together. Back to race recap in a moment – I have to rant on the mentoring
Jeff was mentoring Matthew so EVERY ½ mile Jeff would call out pace and EVERY mile he would say - mile 4, 6 more to go, mile 5, 5 more to go……. Really Jeff, Matthew knew where the mile markers are and I’m sure he can do the math. Are the teachers that bad at Westerly – Muddy ??? Buy him a space watch – he can do the math. In addition Jeff would mention to Matthew, look water, do you need water, I’ll get it for you. NEVER did he ask me. And mister Vise President of WTAC would run into someone he knew and would slow down and say hello than speed up to catch us – this mentoring thing reminded me of when we run trails – aka DEER FLY - circling around and annoying us, never going away until you swat it. If you are reading this for the first time – this is humor also called sarcasm at times, smile and deal with it.

Around mile 7 or 8 we started to lose Justin who was fading (only finish 10/15 second behind Matthew). Jeff once again called out mile 8 ½ miles, only mile and ½ to go – thanks for the math lesson AGAIN. At this point of the course there is a little and only hill. I was feeling strong so I pick up the pace little doing my Jonny impression and pushed the hill. I came to the end of this street where I had to take a right turn while these little kids were in the middle of the street holding signs and yelling – 1 more mile to go – how cool. The entire course had great crowd participation, cheering, partying and playing loud music – awesome social gathering. The last mile I finish strong – over all finish was 133 with a time of 1:07:38 for a 6:46 pace. Space watch had it right 10.02. Mathew was 10 second behind me. Congrads to Matthew who ran a great race with a deer fly around him the entire time - you can smile once in a while ;) – that way you won’t get wrinkles when your dads age. Hugh crowd at the end of the course and still was able to pick out people that I knew. Overall this was a good race for me and I was able to gauge were I am in my recovery, which I can say, I think I’m recovered. I wish I stayed at the 6:15 pace just to see how I would have done.
Summary – thanks to the Walkers for the logistics and the company on the run. This is/was a fun race with a great enthusiastic crowd. I will be doing this race next year for sure, bring on the three H’s.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Friday 6
Annual run and splash with Gazelle and 5K at 5- splash in Weekapaug (Fenway). Fun run good company. Going back to the cars to head home I happen to run in to a distance cousin who was going surfing. I haven’t seen him in 20+ years and I have run into him twice in one week – the other time was earlier in the week for a wake for his father.

Later that morning the entire Boumenot family got invited to the Groton Navy Sub base for a command change ceremony – My boy is best friends with the sub school captain and commanders father – the Roberts family. This was an unbelievable day seeing so many officers dressed in there whites plus a visit from a vise admiral –this day bleed red, white and blue. Great speeches along with great tradition. After the patriotic festivities we were invited for a tour of the base were we got to go into one of the sub simulators – that right, I got to drive a sub, how cool. My kids who have both gone over to the base a number of times were not impressed – really – today generation. I’m happy to have taken this day off and to get invited to this ceremony were I absorbed every minute and every detail – nice to get called SIR, instead of the everyday dad, idiot, shithead, Michael, Mike, dummy, dum-ass, asshole, WE, my dad, your father……. I bet you all know who calls me all those bad words (hi Julie). In summary, this was great day.

Saturday 0
I hated putting down a 0 on this day. The plan was to run long but I was little tired from driving submarines yesterday so by the time I awoke it was way too HHH – even for me. I was than supposed to meet Jeff for a ride up to get our swag for the Blessing race – comes to find out the Walkers were head up that way and they pick up my swag for me – THANKS.

Sunday 13.5
Headed out just after 5am for a run down to Riverbend cemetery – I haven’t visited my grandparents grave in a long time, come to find out, nothing has changed – they are still dead (little humor) - sorry these things freak me out. As I entered the cemetery it started to rain – I figured this was a sign from my grandmother. I had to remember where they were hanging out so after a turn here and there I found them – stop for a prayer. I decided I would then run over to Jeff house, who was not home (he was going to run long, 20+ this day with Muddy). If you look at my run on Strava you will see I actually run into his driveway. I wonder what his neighbors think with all these early morning activities, comings, goings and congregating around. Unfortunately Jeff did not leave a water stop for me at the house – must of miss that text message (thought about using the hose) as I was getting little thirty. Head back home using the Elm Street route and into the park – the park is a great place to run early, Beth is lucky being so close. Then out to Canal Street into White Rock across Route 2. Good run happy with the pace.

Monday 3.8
Legs were feeling it a little, plus with the Blessing race later this week I decided to run just over 3 at 8 pace – shake out the soreness.

Tuesday 4+
Stonington fun run at Dog Watch – with warm up and cool down this will be 4+

Wednesday 4+
WTAC fun run - with warm up and cool down this will be 4+

Thursday ? day before race

Friday – 10
Blessing race – first time doing this race and thanks to the Walkers for logics.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Last couple of days / next couple of days

Friday – 0
Unfortunately I could not get to the annual summer Friday run & splash as I had other engagement – work. I had to get into work early this day.

Saturday – 13
Decided to run down to Greenhaven - my bike loop - started out early because of traffic concerns on Pequot Trail and Route 2. Happen to come across a fox, not of the lady type, but the actual. The lady types are usually on beach runs (Hi Julie). While on Greenhaven road I happen to come across a pack of bikers (8 to 10) – hard to explain, but when you are out early biking/running the comradely among people who share interests/activities in common with you is impressive, as we passed, everyone provided words of encouragement. Ok, after the group hug, back to running. Coming to the end of Mechanic Street I decided to go into the Westerly Park (looking for follow runner Beth) than out along Canal/White Rock Road across the bridge back into CT on Route 2, back home. The last half mile or so I started to hear squishy sound – this was from my Asics as I was soaked head to toe because of the humidity. Funs run when done early as some of these roads are heavy traveled.

Sunday – 10 barefoot on the beach back to TS house
The plan was bike the track I ran on Saturday and do a light run on the beach. Woke up early to a light rain – decided to forgo the bike ride. I’m not a fan of biking in the rain. Because of the overcast in the morning our beach day started later than usual. This was a concern of mine as we arrived and low tide had already passed. Now the tide was coming in which meant running in thicker/heaver sand. Started out not knowing how long I was going to go – just felt like running – as I was coming up to the Westerly town beach I was thinking someone would come from behind and join me (5k or gazelle and family) – no luck. Decided to run back to TS house AGAIN. Turned around at TS house and thought – why did you do this – as this run was work in that the sand was thick/heavy. I was not enjoying this run other than a seeing of a fox (of the other type) or two (Hi Julie). I was coming back along Westerly town beach when all of a sudden something hits me from behind – Gazelle takes me down from behind. He just texted me looking for a beach run – go figure. Handed me water (which was needed) rounded up Matthew and told Mark where he was going. Mark decided to stay at the beach – good decision on his end because the group in front of the Walkers was impressive – who the wish one? So the last two miles I had some much needed company/conversation. Matthew once again wouldn’t stop talking (sarcasm). Thanks Jeff and Matthew for the last half of this run as the sand was thick/heavy and work. Jump in the water for a quick dip and took a nap (nice).

Monday -0
Much needed rest day as I went long on the last two

Tuesday
Nick Bottone track mile (maybe) game day decision. Conor has something brewing on LAX game in Westerly with the Westerly LAX summer league.

Wednesday – WTAC run run

Thursday – 6 at work

Friday – back with the annual summer Friday run & splash

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Recap and preview

Friday – 6
With the 4:45 club members (5K and Gazelle). We did the annual Friday run, beach run and splash. Started at the Watch Hill Gazebo out to Ocean View on to Atlantic where we went on the beach for a 2 mile beach run. Back out to the roads of WH and on to Napatree for the splash.

Saturday – 0
Did not want to pull a 0 this day as the plan was go long on roads early than onto beach with family. Went to open garage door when garage door opener broke after 15 years.  So, off to Home Depot as WE showed up and installed the new opener while wife and daughter went to beach – how does that work? 

Sunday – 16 double – 6 at 6 than 10 on the beach
After Saturday installing the garage door opener for most of the day, I wanted to go to the beach for a long run. Went out at 6am for a quick 6 out and back from my house. Came home from the run and loaded the car and cooler for the beach – I was pumped because we were going to get there for low tide. Arrived at the beach and I happen to see wakey, wakey (Mike C) – asked Lori if he could come out and play (dog collar was off). Wakey, wakey ran the first 2 miles with me down to the state beach – the crowd must have frightened him – my thought was – plenty of sights (sorry Julie). My epic run was from the Weekapaug Breachway to Taylor Swift place - all on the beach – 5 mile down – 5 miles back for a total of 10 barefoot on the beach.  The state beach was pack with all sorts of people or at least they look like people as my sunglasses were fogging up – not from the sights either - from the heat. Run up to the very end of the beach in as it was low tide – you could almost run up to the light house. Waved to TS but she was didn’t recognized me. When I returned everyone wanted to know how long it was down to TS house – space watch had it exactly at 10. Took a quick drink then went right into the ocean for a swim. Had lunch than (my favorite part of summer time ) took a nap in the beach chair (out like a light) even missed Mike C going back home – sorry Mike. This was a fun run and would have been better with group of people. Running at low tide on the beach is one of my favorite running places.


Monday – 0
Pulled another 0 as my legs were feeling it along with my feet – the sand was hot on Sunday so might have burned the bottom of them.

Tuesday – 9 track work out plus Stonington fun run
Meet up with 5K at the Westerly Track for 6x4x2x6x4x2 work out. The 6’s were killer but the 2’s were easy and fast. I had the feeling the entire time that a gazelle was coming around the corner ready to push me out of the way – he’s in NH after Seth Strava records. The plan is run the Stonington fun run tonight at Dog Watch so looks like another double

Wednesday – Westerly Fun Run

Thursday – 6 before 6 at work

Friday - ?
Saturday - ?

Monday, July 1, 2013

Past couple of days and this week

Friday – 7.5 / the 5k idea on continuing the beach run and swim per the solstice run
 Jeff and I met with 5k for run through the Charlestown Breachway that took us through local roads that I haven’t been on since high school. The last ½ mile or so we ran barefoot on the beach as it started to rain. Jump into the ocean as it started to downpour – fun stuff. The surf was up but we did not see wakey, wakey (Mike C) out surfing – hmmm. Good company and conversation. Stop a DD on the way home and then WE (hate that guy) showed up at the Boumenot’s to power wash the house (1 more thing off the honey due list).

Saturday – 0
I did not want to take a 0 but could not fit in a run as I had to get the truck fixed

Sunday – 15
Meet Jeff, Muddy and new guy not from this planet (New Zealander, I think – talks funny). Hi name is Ryan, nice guy and definitely a runner. Started out from Meadowbrook Pond out to Carter Preserve, then out to the roads into Shannock for the hill(s) climb than back onto some trail I have no idea the name of back to Meadowbrook Pond. Very humid run – after about 11 miles in I just wanted this run to end or stop for some water - no luck. I actually stop to walk a little in the last 4 miles. The last couple of miles I could really feel the humidity.

Monday – 0
Still upset about the last 4 miles from Sunday

Tuesday – track work out
4:45 club planning track work out at Westerly track
No fun run planned as I may have to bring my boy to LAX practice instead

Wednesday
I will run in the morning. No fun run in Westerly in the evening as we are going to the Red Sox game

Thursday – the 4th of July
Run in the morning, than weather permitting, go to the beach with the family were I hope to do a beach run and swim than a nap.

Friday – full circle
5k idea on continuing the beach run and swim per the solstice run