18 And Life.

Ricky was a young boy
He had a heart of stone
Lived 9 to 5 and worked his
Fingers to the bone

Thank you Skid Row for that 1989 classic "18 and life"!  But, what the heck does this have to do with running?  Absolutely nothing at all except for the number "18". It is the only song that I could think of that referenced the number "18".

 

This past Sunday concluded lucky week 13 which included a team long run of 18 miles on Saturday.  It has been great to train on the marathon course every week as it becomes more and more comfortable and relaxing every time. It has afforded me the opportunity to make slight tweaks to my strategy every week. A fine tuning of sorts. Back off on my pace on this hill but take that one a bit faster. Really concentrate on breathing through this this section.  Begin fueling at that point. The course has become second nature with all of its twists and turns. Heartbreak Hill is becoming like a good friend now. Something that I truly look forward to each week. It is no longer what was an insurmountable "thing" in the way of getting to the finish line. It has helped me become a much more disciplined runner by forcing me to stay focused on the fundamentals during these long runs.

18 and life you got it
18 and life you know
Your crime is time and it's
18 and life to go 

Wow, did that song really come out in 1989?  26 years ago?!  Running by all accounts is looked at by most as just a physical sport. However, as most runners will tell you, it is just as much mental as it is physical.  You're mind can really challenge you especially on long runs with a lot of miles.  There is plenty of time for your head to really start playing games.  That is why I focus on both the physical and mental aspects on the long runs.

This week's long run tomorrow is going to be 19 sloshy and drenched, but glorious miles in the rain.  I guess that I should start thinking of songs to sing during the run.  Maybe "Singing in the Rain"?  or "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head"? or how about "Purple Rain"?

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

Good Intentions.

The last time I checked Saturday's weather on Friday, it was supposed to be in the low 40's and a chance of rain later in the day.  Perfect.  I'll get up early, go into the city and get a run in before the rain made its way in.  That was the plan anyway.  I went to bed early Friday nigh and woke up bright and early Saturday to the sound of dripping water in the gutter outside my window.  I laid there staring at the ceiling contemplating whether that was really rain drops or maybe just fog that had condensed on the roof and was finding its way to the conveniently located gutter.  Drip.  Drip.  Drip.  Nope, it was rain.  Crud monkeys.  Yes, that is correct.  Crud monkeys (don't ask).  I turned on the Weather Channel hoping that it was just a passing "stray" shower that just had lost its way.  Nope, it was part of a swath of precip engulfing the region and then some.  I have to say that the color patterns on the radar map, which were made up of the varying degrees of intensity of rain/snow, were exquisite.  Something that could be framed and hung in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.  An absolute masterpiece. 

The forecast now was for rain/snow for the entire day.  Not quite the conditions that I wanted to partake in.  "The gym it is", I exclaimed!  I quickly had to change my mindset from excited and invigorated outdoor running to humdrum indoor treadmill running lacking any sense of vigor.  OK, it wasn't that bad (it seemed like it while in the midst of it though).  I made the most of it and ended up with 7.5 miles while focusing on speed work.  All of this while having the option of watching Dora the Explora, sports highlights from the night before on ESPN or a variety of local news shows with the same stories and breaking news on the large screen TVs.  Wait, how could I forget the other option for my viewing pleasure?  The Weather Channel with continuous coverage of the rain and the magnificent precipitation radar map.  Decisions, decisions.  Hmmm...

Until next time, keep on runnin'!