About time

I know – I’m little behind with the blog – you’ll enjoy the end of this one

Saturday 0

My Daughter who turned 13 (going on 21) few weeks back had “girls gone wild” on Friday. This meant having 6 teenage girls sleepover. All the more to go on that WTAC group run, but Julie asked me if I would SHARE the pain with her (her words) on getting the girls up, feed and out the door for 9:00am. This meant I was going to be the bad guy – I love waking up teenagers EARLY in the morning (before noon), really it’s a lot of fun. After everyone went home and we clean-up it starting to rain a little so I went on a little trip to Wakefield, RI (more on this trip later in the blog).

Sunday 6.3

Seeing I was not able to get out on Saturday I decided to run the local roads around my place. I called this run on Strava – Bob Seger as no matter which way I turned I was running with a head wind.

Monday 0

Another zero just after taken a rest day on Saturday. Mondays are getting to be difficult to get out and run. I have multiple global meetings on this day and I don’t have a boss like Jonny. In addition, for some reason I was dead tired. Not from running, just tired from not sleeping. 

Tuesday 7

After another rest day the day before I was looking forward to getting out. I was underdressed for this run but I had no plan on where I was going or a pace I wanted to run. First mile was slow but the next 6 felt great and cruised just under a 7 pace. After catching up on some sleep this run felt good, I felt refreshed, ready for some spring.

Wednesday 5.8

I wanted to do speed work so when I started out I didn’t realize just how wicked windy it was. On the first mile, the warm up mile I was thinking were and what kind of speed work to do. I really like 5K’s 5,4,3,2,1 workout. This gives you 15 minutes of speed, which is almost a 5K race. Compared to doing 400’s, 800’s or 200’s……..I texted 5K later in the day sharing my thoughts on the workout. He mentioned the following - shorter distances do build fast twitch muscle fibers which helps with foot speed. Ok, what do I know, made me feel better as I did 5x500’s and 3x300’s. Some of the laps were into the wind as it was wicked windy Wednesday. Legs felt sore after this workout.

Now for the fun – you’ll enjoy this next part of my Wednesday

I left work hour early to go to Wakefield, RI to pick up my new toy (pic below). Let me say this – I went to three bikes shops – I’ll outline for you on my experience

Mystic – big showroom with lots of choices but would not budge on price

Ray Willis – small with little to no choices although good place for turn-ups

Stedman’s – small with little to no choices BUT hidden in the building are more bikes than appears. Plus the help at this shop is great. The minute I open the door I felt like one of the gang and I’m not a bike geeky guys (at this moment). I recommend this place over any other in the area as they are open, honest and willing to deal. At the end of the visit they kept asking/insisting to come up for group rides.

On the way home I got a phone call from Julie – went something like this:

Hey, did you get your new toy and did everything go ok – Yup, great place good conversation lost track of time. Great can’t wait to see-it (what that means is what did we just waste money on – I can read between the lines) by the way, WE need to go to Home Depot later. Home Depot – why, what just happened. The washer machine finally broke (18yr old machine).

So we go to Home Depot after Julie did some research on-line. We or SHE picks the one that SHE wants. Remember I just got a new toy – I’m agreeing with whatever. As she works out the details with Home Depot person I decide to wonder around. I’m a do-it-yourself person, love walking around Home Depot. I have other hobbies other than running. So when I get back the Home Depot person says we can deliver this on Saturday for you. Julie says great, sooner the better as we have teenagers and tons of laundry.

Now what’s going on in my head at this time – I did not actually say these words (remember I just got a new toy) – Saturday, this is the best you can do. I have a race on Saturday; really, you don’t have this in stock. What I actual said was in the morning or afternoon. They will call the night before and tell us when. I know what you’re thinking (Jeff, Jonny) but I just got a new toy. Although I like going to the dog house, really the dog house can be fun at times as the dog does not talk back and listens to ME – I enjoy dog house time with my best friend but SLEEPING in the dog house sucks. So, game day decision on the race.

the new toy - 2014 Specialized Allez Comp

Ocean Run 1/2 - pre race, race day, race, post race

Pre race - Saturday morning light 5 mile run with Jeff, FiveK and Lulu - perfect morning for a run at the beach - good conversation. First run with Lulu who is not much of talking, she just likes to run. Wow, Tom has a girl who doesn’t like to talk that much – lucky (Hi Julie).

With day light saving Saturday night I figured I would go get my registration/swag early – leaving more time on race day so I wouldn’t have to rush. Text Crutch to see if he was going up early - text back - pick you up around 11:30 – perfect. Nice ride-up along with good conversation. Email later in the day from Jeff on car pooling to the race. Thanks Crutch for driving - FiveK was going up with his OTHER girl.

Race day – we meet at Jeff house for ride up, what a difference in weather from Saturday. We all had our bags filled with all kinds of cold weather gear. My plan was to run in shorts no matter what – just wasn’t sure on the hat/gloves thing.  We arrived in plenty of time and meet Tom and Shara in the parking lot. Crutch deciding he was going to walk down to race start – the rest of us were going to wait for the school bus. We decided to us the bathrooms at the school – doing our impression of Muddy. This was good choice as lines were long at the starting area. Arrived in plenty of time to drop our bags off and go for short cool down. As everyone was lining up for race start – I had to go find a bush around the corner one last time. When I came back to the starting line I was not able to get up close to the front – about 20 feet from the front. I usually like to hang around third row, so first challenge was going to be in the first ½ mile going around people.

Race – Took about 10 seconds to get of the starting line so I could start the space watch. Quick loop around dirt parking lot before we could get out on the road.

1, 2, 3 – familiar with this part of the run from Crabman. Fun passing everyone you recognize as this section has two out and backs. Cone turnaround at one point which I’m not a fan of but this was early in the race so it wasn’t that bad. I ran about a mile with Shara who was completing in her 2^nd ever ½ marathon.

 4, 5, 6 – around the four mile mark I think, Beth was volunteering as a flag person turning the runners to the right and cheering us on – great to see her out there after running 20+ the day before.  After we came out of the neighborhood you have to go up Matunuck Beach Road for a short distance before turning left. This is where the head wind started to pick-up. I tuck in just behind a tall runner – literally just behind him. I look at the space watch and I didn’t like the pace he was going at this point – I wanted to push him. I don’t think he like me drafting because he slowed up a little but I was not leaving me wing man. When we turned left onto Matunuck School House Road there was a water stop – guess who pulled over to get water or to lose me - thanks tall guy.

7,8,9,10 – This section was the lonely section as the field now was spread out and the wind was picking up. Not that bad but just enough to be a jerk. Other than the water stops there were little to no spectators in this section – sucks running alone in a race when you can’t get up to the lead group and no one behind you to push you along. My time in this section was not what I wanted – I was slowing down, wasn’t sure why - all alone with my inner voice. The BEST part of this section was this lone spectator group (not sure where on the course). It was Chris G along with his wife and boy cheering me on with big smiles – I wondered over for a quick slap of the hand and thank him for the support.  This was just what I needed – little encouragement in the lonely section. I started to focus on my pace again and ignore the wind. I reach back for my GU which was a first for me. Couple days before this race I tried GU for the first time – wasn’t pretty. I ended up with GU chewable (another story for another time). All I could think about was how funny it looked like trying to run and chew these GU things. It took about ½ mile for me to finally finish the packet, chocking on one.

11, 12, 13 – Finally the last third of the race, it felt like I was in the Green Hill area forever. Back in the grove again – still alone but I could sense a group coming from the spectators at the water stops encouraging runners on. Turned onto Moonstone Beach Road which is less than 2 miles to go starting to look at the space watch and doing the math – ok, no PR but I know that coming in as I was lacking speed work. Turned left onto Cards Pond road and who do I see taking pic’s – Chris G again with the family. Encouraging me for the last mile – thanks Chris. Turn right onto the field for a strong finish – OMG felt like I was running with no right shoe – up down, up down, up down. Not the best way to finish but the rush kicks in. Space watch was 1:28:43, official time was 1:28:55 – remember the start, 10 seconds behind. Good for 20^th overall 3^rd in that age group with you know who - four more months to go.

Post race – I was supposed to go to a high school lacrosse tournament in Springfield, MA right after the race, but it was cancelled. Thankfully it was cancelled as I enjoyed the post race gathering with everyone.

Nice course, flat only one hill. TRIMOM put on a great race, the course was well marked and she had plenty of volunteers all helpful, respectful and encouraging everyone on.

Chris and family – thanks for the encouragement/support/pic’s, much needed on Matunuck School House Rd

Beth – cool seeing you volunteering, couldn’t wait to get to mile 4ish knowing you were there to cheer

Mike C – nice race, you will get that goal for a ½ later this year no doubt

Seth wife (forgot name, sorry) – nice job on your first ½ - the dog and you need a blog now

FiveK – 4^th place and in the hunt at the end – NICE job. Sometimes I wonder if I slow you down

Shara – you kicked butt for your second ½ - 4^th overall women – Sweet

Seth – awesome PR, job well done

Matthew – nice job on the 5K – I know you will be faster later in the spring and I’m not looking forward to it (that’s a joke – smile)

Jeff – another PR, I knew you were going to run well at this race – great job - fun laugh on the podium

January and February

January and February

Not my favorite time of year – especially for running.  In the past I used these two months to explore other workout routines like lifting weights, biking and working the muscles around the knees.  My running during these months averaged around three to four times a week and nothing long.

The other day I went to log into Strava and did some geeky data exploring.  I wanted to know how many miles for the month of January/February - just so you know I’m not Jonny miles or Jeff the Gazelle - I have a life outside of running.  I’ve been running around seven years or so and this has been the most productive winter running I have run.  I’m still going to continue with a least one rest day a week – I believe in rest days.  Now that March has arrived and hopefully some warmer weather we will be getting into the spring race season.  Now the fun begins with speed workouts and biking (soon I hope).  But the real challenge for the next couple of months will be family obligations as we go into lacrosse season with the kids and yes this has already started - we are a lacrosse family.  Now more than ever I have to pay attention to the calendar, schedules and my personal secretary (hi Julie).

Last week I was little disappointed in that I was not able to add in speed work.  I did have two good tempo runs back-to-back but not the same.  With Ocean Run Half coming this weekend I’m not sure on a pace or a goal for time.  I have time this week to form thoughts/comprehend something so we’ll see - or as I like to say game day decision

My turn

Wednesday 5 (last week)

The weather was breaking (warm) on this day – instant message Beth to see if she was going outside. She was but earlier in the day because rain was in the forecast.  Unfortunately I had heavy workload and couldn’t get outside until after noon time. As I was making my way to the fitness center at work – I have to walk about ½ mile – I could feel rain drops. Decided to run outside anyway – thinking it was just going to be a light rain. Wrong – after the fist ½ mile the sky opened up. So this turned into a temp-o/puddle jumping run. I was under dress as well.

Thursday 8 (last week)

This was going to be one of the warmest days of 2014 (so far) so I couldn’t wait to get out and run. I was having a challenging work week so my plan was to get lost for awhile.  I started looking at the space watch after the first mile and I notice I was running/feeling good – just under 7 pace. I decided I would try to maintain this pace for the 8 miles – mission accomplished.

Friday 4 (last week)

Heavy rain - wasn’t motivated plus I was feeling it a little in the legs from the past two days of temp-o runs. Ended up running easy pace on the treadmill

Saturday 15 (Group Run with Chris, Justin, Tom and Jeff)

The email went out on Friday – Jeff was looking to do 15 – no course picked out yet. Tom wanted to swim after the run so he asked to start at the Y. I didn’t want to run the Boom Bridge/Ashaway loop – done that few weeks back. So I mentioned running down to Greenhaven – looks like I have just became the organizer. So I went out to MapMyRun and planed a route that included water stop at my house – just after 11. Chris had to go just after 5 (he just wanted to run around 8 or 10) so he went back via Greehaven Road. We had to cross over 3 major/heavy traveled roads (Route 1, Pequot Ave & Route 2) all sort brief crossings, plus as usual it was early in the day. On that – because of the past couple of days we had a little spring thaw so the roads were little icy in spots – see Jeff blog. I did not plan for Jeff fall on the ice – that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. After the water stop we had to cross Route 2 – this is a four lane heavy traveled road and now it’s just over 8 o’clock in the morning so traffic is busy. Do you remember the game Frogger. That’s how we basically crossed Route 2 to get to White Rock. Good company, good run.

Sunday 0

Couldn’t get out on this day which was the warmest in 2014 yet – unlike most of you – I have a life other than running.

Monday 7 (this week)

Wow, I wasn’t expecting to do 7 as my work schedule is little hectic in the beginning of the week (meetings that last forever). I got out before lunch and into a groove.

Rest of week ?

I’m sure it will be the usual 5 or 6 mile lunch run

I would like to get in at least one day of speed work

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