Last few days

Last week was a challenging week with trying to get outside for runs because of the weather plus work has been little hectic these last two weeks (oh the emotional distress).  I managed to miss just one day (will call it a rest day - Tuesday). The rest of the week all I could get was average of 5 miles.  Sorry, I’m not Jeff or Jonny - I have a life (that’s a joke).  In addition to the hectic week my space watch was not doing the space stuff its suppose to – technology – what happened to the old days.  More on the space watch later.

Saturday 17 (group run)

According to Jeff this was the largest group run (8) that we have had. We started at my old high school – Chariho (4 of the 8 are alumni), so another back-in-time.  I’ll be honest, I was little nervous about this group run, not because of the distance but the pace.  The email that went out mentioned peppy casual.  I wasn’t sure I was ready in my training for peppy.  I figured this was good time as any to see where I stood.  Plus some of the group was bailing out just after 5 for 10 mile run because of obligations (they have a life) so I could always go that route.  Around mile 1 you can hear the beep of everyone space watch so I decided to look at my left wrist to check the pace – all I see is the time.  I thought I lost the signal and started hitting buttons – nothing - errrr.  The group that was going to depart around the 5 mile mark was Nate, Chris and FiveK – yeah, like I’m going to run back with them.  You ever watch a horse race when the thoroughbreds are being escorted by OTHER horses around the track.  That’s what Jonny, Muddy, Seth, Jeff and I felt like – the other horses.  They hit the starting gate at Collins Road running the last half of the 10 miler at sub-6 minute pace.  I’m sure they were calling us suckers as the five of us continued on for more torture as we had HILLS coming.  Jonny – who planned the route, had to get in some kind of trail run – you just knew this was going to happen.  So we took a right turn onto Tomaquag Valley Road (dirt road) - my kind of trail running. At the end of this road you are less than a mile from the world famous Juniper Drive, Ashaway.  We continued on going Diamond Hill, Route 216 to Route 91 which including the climb up Route 91 onto Brudickville Road for a quick downhill into Charleston.  We stopped at the bridge for a quick rest. At this point in the run – not sure of distance as space watch is down – I started to hear moaning and complaining.  I forgot about the second half Brudickville Road which included two miles of hills. I was about 10 seconds behind the group – how I knew, I was counting trying to keep the mind engage and the inner voice silent.  The last third of this hill climb I was starting to fade.  Jeff looked over his shoulder, slowed to my pace and started a conversation on what part of Brudickville Road was more difficult.  You would have to travel this road to figure out what he was characterizing.  For me it’s a sufferfest either way as I have bike it and now run it.  Kudos to Jeff for slowing up and keeping me company – thank you.  As we finally got to the top of the last climb, Jonny house was just around the corner where he had water out for us.  Quick break and back to the run, which now we are on Shumankanuc HILL road – oh shit, not another hill.  This was the hill just before Kings Factory Road which wasn’t that bad considering what we just came from.  I was able to hang with the pack knowing that it was basically downhill on Kings Factory Road than flat rest of way.  As we reach Route 91 the pace started to pick-up and I started to feel good/confident – maybe because no more hills - we ended up back at Chariho. Good run and workout.

Conclusion – I’m glad that I decided to go long as this is needed in my training and that hills SUCK like that snowman Jeff made

Sunday 5

Saturday night during the snow storm I did some Google-ing and found out how to re-set the space watch. After I cleared the driveway I went out for a quick run – little slushy and windy and it didn’t help matters that I was little under dress. Didn’t matter as I wanted to make sure the space watch was working. It was funny – like running with it for first time – always looking at it making sure it was working

Back in time

Sunday 0 – rest day

Unfortunately I was not able to run the Belleville Pond 10K with WTAC team mates (sorry Mike G). I had family obligations  

Saturday - 13, 14, 15 something (space watch wasn’t working properly) 

This I will call the Back in Time run (Huey Lewis and the News – just for you Chris). I’ll explain - settle in as I have a lot to share. Muddy has been running on Juniper Drive in Ashaway past couple of times. This is the street that I grew up on. So Saturday morning I was urging some Ashaway memories. Went into the garage and started the DeLorean time machine making sure the Flux Capacitor had enough fuel. Got up to 88MPH and BOOM ended up Ashaway (ok, I said boom). I decided first that I would see if Muddy was up. Ran into the driveway, touch his truck and turned around waving (dame it, I needed some water at this point). So, off to Juniper Drive via Diamond Hill. Diamond Hill was picturesque with snow still on the trees dripping with ice drops – very cool. Turned onto Egypt Street for a quick downhill than a hard right onto Juniper Drive.

Juniper Drive – this was Americana in the 70’s & 80’s. Everyone on this street was blue color working class families. This was the place where you know your neighbor and you could leave the door unlock at night along with the garage door open and keys in the car. This is a true fact – we did this in the Boumenot household. We invented how to play outside ALL DAY – we were told – get out and play and don’t come home until the streetlights are on.

I’ll share some of the things WE invented on Juniper Drive: (remember this is my story)

• Whipple Ball – with invisible runners, strike zone and if you hit the house, you’re out.
• Snowball fights – when I like winter
• BMX biking
• Sledging – when I like winter
• Skateboarding – when you just went down the hill on a skateboard
• Building snow forts – when I like winter
• Ice hockey on a pond in the middle of the woods - we never checked the thickness of the ice. Just get out and play hockey. When the ice cracked we would say it was a season crack – yeah right
• Capture the flag on bikes at night
• Street Hockey – we actually painted the goals, blue lines and face-off spots on the street
• Throwing snowballs at cars at night – I will deny this if someone mother or fathers car got hit
• Freesbe Football
• Building tree forts
• Climbing trees
• Exploring in the woods – this was the early version of trail running
• You could ride your bike to school – we were the coolest kids

Everyone wanted to come play on Juniper Drive. Ok, you get the point. Juniper Drive / Ashaway was the best place in the country to grow up in the 70’s and 80’s. Brought home the DeLorean, clean-it up and parked it back in the garage. SO, in closing I challenge you to come get the DeLorean time machine making sure the Flux Capacitor has fuel and go out to a place in time – could be anywhere. Speed up to 88MPH and enjoy the RUN down memory lane.

Friday 8

The 4:30 club decided to do a 4:00PM workout. This was one of FiveK workouts. We did hill repeats (6) on the Surftown hill in Watch Hill. Then we went out to Ocean View for (5) 1 minute hard, 1 minute easy followed by (5) 30 seconds hard, 30 seconds easy. Prefer this instead of track workouts - minus the hill repeats. On the way back to our cars we had to run by the Ocean House were on the third floor someone came out on the balcony and yelled – we turned around look up and it was Ryan Woolley. He was there staying the night before his big day – he’s getting married – sucker (hi Julie). We wished him well and good luck. Summary - good workout, good company – the only bad thing was, it was cold

Recap of the weekend and my RANT & RAVE

Friday 6

4:30 club without Jeff who decided to sleep in. We ended up going on the beach – not good as the snow drifts were knee high. Turned around and headed back

Saturday 6.6

Small group run – just Jeff, Jonny and I. We started from Jeff house on roads then went into Champlin Glacier Park. Not a trail guy but for some reason I enjoy running in these trails with breathtaking views. Wish the park was bigger. We ran a slow pace as race day was approaching – good conversation, good company.

Sunday 5 (warm-up, race, cool down)

Super 5K – Never run this race before but a fun out and back race. 19:40 for first of the year 5K race. Great showing for the WTAC club as we took the ladies and men’s title. Started slow but ended strong with a 6 minute mile for the last mile - according to space watch. This is encouraging so looking forward to spring racing. I’m not going into detail for re-cap of the Super 5K – everyone reading this blog has a blog and did the race – I think you know how it went  

I want to discuss what really went on this weekend

Groundhog Day - celebrated on 2 of February. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog (Weather Prophet) emerges from its burrow on this day, then spring will come early: if it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will continue for six more weeks.  Modern customs of the holiday involve celebrations where early morning festivals are held to watch the groundhog emerging from its burrow.

So Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow on and predicted SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER.

This F-ing rodent came out of his subterranean residence early in the morning as eager spectators waited to see this spectacle – I would have ran him over, then back up and ran him over again. SIX more weeks of winter, really - I HATE WINTER. I’m going to run over every rodent that tries to cross my path and I just might run trails with my shotgun looking for this Punxsutawney Phil the Weather Prophet. RELAX you tree hugging, environmental loving, earth loving goobers – this is just humor. Go back to your driving your family van or SUV and generate more greenhouse gases that will effect global warming - so we can get back to 90 degree days.

wanted DEAD or ALIVE

This past weekend update and rest of week

Saturday 12.1 group run

Email went out from Jonny about group run in Charleston. When I arrived little early I notice Jeff’s car in the parking lot – no Jeff – where did he go? Was he in the bakery already? Muddy arrives – asked the same question. Than out of the dark – remember we go out early – this runner appears with orange vest wearing shorts. Come to find out Jana kicked Jeff out early so he decided to get in 8 before our run. We began the run going down Charlestown Beach Road out to the breachway into the wind. This was the windiest head wind I have ever run in, sand and snow stinging you in the face. Difficult to carry on a conversation of any sorts but everything said at this point of the run was not repeatable (rated R). Finally reach the breachway, turn left on the beach – ahhh – wind at our backs - that’s more like it. We went out to Moonstone Beach than on Matunuck Schoolhouse Road. The last 2 miles or so Jeff and Muddy were about 10 seconds ahead of Jonny and I – they don’t play nice in the sandbox. Remember, Jonny was racing on Sunday so I decided to hang with him. We had pretty good conversations going on. We got back to the parking lot and Jonny had to go. Jeff wanted to run more so he could get in 20 (I don’t think he wanted to go back home). Muddy and I agreed to join in for another 2 or 3 more miles. When we ended the run we decided to go across the street to this small bakery. While waiting to order we met older couple (around Jeff age) who are runners themselves and do many triathlons. They (Meg and Andrew) asked us to join them while eating our treats and drinking our coffee. We took over the bakery having a very fun enjoyable conversation – great couple.

Sunday 0 (rest day)

I did sign up for a another TRI – Block Island

Monday 6.2

Speed work – 5X400’s with 1x200. I looked at the weather for the week and Monday was going to be best/warmest day. Unfortunately I was not able to do speed work last week because of the weather. The day was windy as the first half of the 400’s were into the wind. Long cool down after the 400’s.

Tuesday 6

It is time to wash my cold weather gear – trust me. So I will have to do a treadmill run this day.

Funny thing happened to me this morning on the way to work. I came out of DD that is by my house minding my own business on my way to work just after 5:00am when someone beeps at me – really, road rage at 5:00am, really. It was a gray Volvo with RI license plate JW-5 something, something with 26.2 sticker on the back window – guess who? Was Jeff going for early morning run with wakey, wakey in North Stonington – NO WAY. Picked up the phone and text (while driving – SO, I can multi-task) and I was drinking my coffee. Come to find out he was going to NH for work – I bet he already ran 6 miles in shorts.

Wednesday 6.2 (10K)

Treadmill run again – I thought it would be ANOTHER cold day after listening to the weather man. So I started my warm up when who do I see come out of the locker room – Beth. I asked her if she ran outside – Yah, it was great out. Feeling like a wimp now as many runners went outside for a lunch run. I did not bring my cold weather gear. So to take out my frustration I decided to do little speedwork on the treadmill running mile repeats @6:40/6:30/6:20 with half mile cool down at 7:30 pace. I’m not a geek like some of you – I use the machine to do the math. I was a 1% grade.

What the hell – why are people doing DOUBLE runs for in the winter – do you people have a LIFE. How can you get in another run – I wake up very early, work (sort of), run. What about home life (do you have a home) kids, cooking, cleaning, laundry …………………….what the hell is the secret       Summary - Get a LIFE

Thursday – Outside for sure

Friday – 4:30 club run

Saturday-?

Sunday – Super5K  

Weekly update

Friday 6.3

4:30 club with Gazelle and 5K. Got the email on Thursday from 5K asking if we are up for the 4:30 club run and he also puts what the temperature was going to be along with what it’s going to feel like (8 but fells like -8). Now my wife Julie intervenes (as she does often) (Hi Julie) and responds back to 5K – are you guys FREGIN NUTS. After she sent that email I had to remind her that running at these temperatures that our nuts freeze and we have none for a least a hour after the run. Always good company and we have the road to ourselves.

Thursday 5.5

Cold 10 degrees out (like Gazelle house – you have to read his blog get that joke). Walk into the fitness center at work and the instructor who was teaching a fitness class – yells from behind the floor to ceiling glass – Mike, are you going outside today. Turn around and gave a polite expression – YES.  Funny thing, I was going to run on the treadmill but after he put me on the spot in front of the entire class I had to MAN-up and run outside.

Wednesday 5

This was the day it snowed – text message from Gazelle asking if I could come out and play down in his hood with 5K. Unfortunately I had a meeting in the morning and couldn’t make it – damn work. Later in the day (after the meeting) I went out for out and back from my house in the snow. I ran in my trail shoes (sneakers). Tuff time running on the somewhat plowed roads – summary, wasn’t a fun run.

 

Tuesday - 0

All hell broke loose at work with a clinical study that I’m working on, plus the snow, I was not able to get out or even to a treadmill

Monday - 7.2

I decided I would run to the Westerly Park – looking for a Beth sitting – who decided to BIKE instead. I didn’t want to run back the same roads so I decided I would go UP High Street (another big hill) and go home via White Rock. Running this route you have to pass a nursing home so I was wondering if this would be the place that Jeff moves into later this year – July J. They have small asphalt path about 100 yards so Jeff could do he’s speed workouts – racing around wheelchairs.

Sunday - 9.5

Mentioned to the Julie that I was going out early Sunday for a run. She asked me where are you going to go – answer, not sure, I’ll figure that out when I start. How can you not know where you are going. That the best part – just run. So I decided to go to the High School. When I went down the back road behind the High School where the athletic fields are I happen to see a TRAIL that leads to a neighborhood – one that I’m familiar with.  So trail run it was (short distance Jonny). I’m now in this neighborhood that the only way out on streets is up some major hills. I picked the one behind the Middle School – longest but not the steepest. So now I have run to the High School and Middle School – how to get home without going back. I had to run on two major roads in Pawcatuck (Pequot Trail – it’s a road not a trail) and Route 2.  While on Route 2 I figured that I would go to one of the Elementary Schools and this would cover all the public schools in Pawcatuck – sort down and back. Called this on Strava Hot For Teacher – song by Van Halen.

Saturday - 0 (rest day)

I was watching/listening to the weather on Friday and they mentioned heavy rain for all day Saturday. Plus no email on a group run.  That sucks, so I figured I would take a rest day. Come to find out the rain started later in the day – could of, should of run

This week

Saturday 10

Unfortunately I couldn’t join the group run in the morning so I decided I would go out from the house. Rain was predicted for later in the day so I knew I needed to go out early. When I began my run I had no idea how many miles I wanted to log. I have run this track many times and know the mile markers before the space watch chimes. As I turned onto R184 to get a even 4 miles on the space watch I decided I would go little further down on R184. Just so you know R184 not the best road to run on – little to no room and traffic travels very fast because of the smooth surface. I thought I would explore the neighborhood that was just ahead – never been in there. Small hood with houses that were built around the late 60’s – Jeff remembers the 60’s. Ended up starting out with no number in mind and ended up with 10. I feel these are the best runs, when you have no number in mind to run – you just run. Sometimes when you have a number in mind when you go for that run - it can play with the mind.

Sunday – rest day (I believe in rest days)

Again unfortunately I couldn’t run with fellow WTAC club at this weekend race.  Both my kids are involved in sports this winter. Casey basketball games are Saturday afternoon and Conor indoor lacrosse games are at Conn College and can be between 9 and 12. It would be hard to go to the Narragansett area and get back in time. Wish the races were on Saturday morning.

Monday ?

Challenge day – I have a dentist appointment in the afternoon so the challenge will be how to get the run in before and if I do – how long - the stress

I happen to see this cartoon – thought I would share – I ask, who do you think this could be?

Monday 6.2

I had a dentist appointment in the afternoon (crone) for when had root canal in November.

So I was wondering how I could get my run in. I left my work building to head on over to the fitness center to change for my run. As I was walking over I thought – why run at work, than change, than go to the dentist. I figured I would just go home and run – than shower, change and go to the dentist. I thought I would have my neighborhood to myself but I was surprised by who is home and out at this time (noon-ish) – traffic and walking dogs. Got home, logged into work making sure no fire drills. The weather was great for January. Out the door I went, the plan was for 5 but felt good to be outside in sunny weather. Got home look at the time and now I was late – quick shower and got to the dentist in time. Why is it we always have to wait at the dentist or the doctors – I rushed to get here just so I have to WAIT for them – really. I always schedule my appointments just after lunch – first one, when they get back, figuring they would be on time – not the case today. Then there are the magazines that are at the dentist/doctors. Who the hell wants to look/read People, Time, Shape etc…….What about Running Times, Runners World, Cycling/Biking, Inside Triathlon, Sports Illustrate even SURFING magazine (just for you Crutch). OK, Ok, OK I done with the rant.

Tuesday 6.2

Did the Controlled Environment 10K (treadmill)

Unfortunately I was not able to get out earlier for a run outside. When the time came for the run – it was pouring.

Wednesday 7

Great day weather wise – wasn’t sure going out the door from work on which way to go. I decided I would go down to UCONN Avery Point and do some speed work. I usually do his early in the am when no one is around – just the UCONN police watching me on video camera. Mid day so I knew I would be in for some traffic with the college being open. Lucked out, very little traffic doing my (6) 400’s with a lap cool down in-between. One of these days I have to figure out the space watch so I can get my times – on of these days. I’m not THAT geeky that I need to know my times – trust me it hurt and was a good workout. Since the weather was nice I decided to go for a long cool down run – summary - good day

Look like everyone did some kind workout on this day – I see on Strava hill workouts (Beth) and speedwork by everyone else – Crutch as-well. I’m surprised the Westerly police did not evacuate the school grounds and call in SWAT. I though everyone was going to keep low profile for the WINTER – looks like all are in race mode. Chris G has an excuse – he’s in Hawaii I believe (lucky).

Thursday 6.3

When I left the fitness center at work I was undecided how long or which way to go. Ended up turning right – wind in face - bad decision ? Funny how when I never know how long to go or where to go I end up enjoying the run (“Just felt like running”). I ended up doing the BITCH nice and easy – This is a hill that the runners where I work call “The Bitch”. My sick sense of humor , love coming back from the run and the fitness instructor will always ask me how was my run or where I went – so I enjoy saying “did the bitch” out in the open. I really like saying “did the bitch from behind” when I go down that hill. The non runners will look at you funny. After I concurred the bitch I decided to do some zigzagging around EB (Electric Boat) roads and parking lots to get at least 6 miles.

Friday 6.2

The 4:45 club newly named 4:30 club from 5K house. Nice run with a full moon this morning, weather was nice, good company, good conversation = good run. Neighbors must hate 5K and Jeff as the conversations at 4:30 in the AM (Crutch) are louder than if later in the day. You can hear dogs barking as soon as we pass the house. Unfortunately this morning we ran near Steve & Mary house (5K mom & dad) and no smell of bacon, eggs or coffee in the air – VERY disappointed.

back to work

Winter, winter, winter, winter – where do I begin – I think you all know how I feel

Unfortunately after a 20+ day vacation in the month of December I had to go back to work. This meant going to bed early, getting my work and workout stuff out the night before. After being on vacation for extending period of time – I forgot some things when it came to workout stuff. I had a period of time to run outside on Monday, before the heavy rain came in but forgot few things - running socks, hat and gloves. When I change into my gear to go outside I thought about running in my dress socks – NOT – just kidding but that would have been funny. So now what to do – run outside in the light chilly rain with no socks. What do I do godfather – act like a man – nahhh. I have multiple treadmills in a controlled environment with multiple TV’s along with towels and endless supply of water. I ended up doing a 10K on the treadmill watching the fitness class do this workout thing called TRX Intervals and little ESPN.

We will see about Tuesday as wind chill has temps below zero

On a side note – I have now pack extra socks in my gym bag

Tuesday - ran The Controlled Environment 10K (treadmill)

Wednesday - ah finally, able to get outside were I ran 5.2 miles. I was the only person who ran outside from work. No one was outside. Warmed up fast but the face was cold the entire time. Looks like I my need a baclava or a balaclava or whatever Jeff & Chris call it - I cant even say it with my Rhode Island accent.