Tag: New York City Marathon

A Smart Choice

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In 2022, I determined to run every single day for a calendar year. I set out on January 1 and I ran each and every day.

I set a lofty goal, and then, through perseverance, determination, tenacity, and will, I accomplished that goal.

I ran 1,700 miles last year, or an average of 4.65 miles each and every day. I am proud that I was able to do that.

I’m now writing a book of this experience which I hope will serve as motivation for other runners and goal-setters. We can all do more than we ever imagined. You just need to set a plan and get out there and do it.

We also can’t let failure get in the way of pressing forward. I had plenty of years when I thought about and/or tried to run each day and didn’t make it. I learned as I failed from each setback.

But last year, I accomplished my goal.

Then, on January 1, 2023, I went out and ran again. I only did three miles in a new running shoe I was trying out (the Saucony Tempus), but it was three miles and the running streak continued…

But then, on January 2, I made a very sound decision. I made a smart choice. Sanity prevailed.

I didn’t run.

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300 Days

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October 27, 2022

***

I wanted to make sure I was correct so I counted and recounted and counted again.

Yes. Today was the day. I had it marked on my calendar so I assumed it was, I was sure it was, but I needed to check and double-check, and triple-check just to make sure.

I had to be certain about this.

300.

300 consecutive days of running!

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100 Days To Go!

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September 22, 2022

You know how people get all upset when they start to see holiday decorations popping up too soon all over the place? Well, what would you think if I told you that there are only 100 days left in 2022?

Trust me. There are only 100 days left in 2022. Count them if you’d like.

When 2022 began, I set out to do the impossible, for me at least. I set out to run every single day, bar none. My goal was (is) to run 365 days in a row. My goal is to complete a calendar year without taking any days off from running.

Today was day 265. I have just 100 days to go.

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17 Miles = (almost) Marathon Ready!

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September 18, 2022

I’m not quite marathon ready, but I am darn close.

Today was a huge success. I logged 17 miles. I did it rather quickly, at least for me, or for a guy in his mid-fifties on a hilly and challenging course. I ran the distance in 2:47:51.

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250 Consecutive Days!

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“One day I won’t believe I was able to do this, but right know I do believe – and because of that I am going to keep on going.” – Me

***

A number of years ago, I had a great idea. I had decided that was going to run every single day for an entire calendar year. That was 2017. Full of desire, focus, determination, and commitment, I made it all the way to January 4.

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80!

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I killed my run today.  Crushed it.

After 1 mile, I was at 8:56.

After 2 miles – 17:39 (That was an 8:43 mile.)

After 3 miles – 26:17 (8:38)

After 4 miles – 34:41(8:24)

After 5 miles – 42:50 (8:09)

All of that, a faster-and-faster five-miler to celebrate my 80th Consecutive Day of Running!

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#44 On The 44th Thinking About #44

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My favorite football memory of all-time is of my favorite football player of all-time running and running and running in Super Bowl XVII.

I’m talking about John Riggins and his amazing performance against the Miami Dolphins that day.

In that game, John Riggins carried the ball 38 times for 166 yards, and one touchdown. That touchdown came on his famous fourth down run where he broke through the defense and ran 43 yards for the score. It’s my favorite football moment of all time.

One day I’d like to meet John Riggins and thank him for that memory. I replay that game in my mind often. Never have I enjoyed such happiness watching a football game.

John Riggins wore uniform #44

***

Today is the 44th day of the year.

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I Did It Again! Another 20-Miler.

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Today I am announcing that I am officially ready for the NYC Marathon.

The race is in three weeks.

This morning I did my last long (long, long) run. I banged out another 20-miler.

Two weeks ago I did my first 20-miler. I wanted one more under my belt before race day.

It’s now under my belt.

***

The best part is that I feel great and felt great throughout the run.

I was a little concerned about this one.

I have been busy really 24/7. The demands on my time from so many different areas have been legion. I have always kept myself busy, but the demands right now have been relentless. I headed into the weekend exhausted. I woke up yesterday still exhausted. I didn’t know if I could pull off a 20-miler today.

But I did… and I was even much fast than two weeks ago.

To boot:

On October 2, I ran 20 miles in 3:43:12. That was 11:09 mile pace.

Today I did the 20 in 3:31:23. That was 10:34 mile pace.

Yeah baby! I KILLED IT!

On October 2, I ran only two of the miles in under 10-minute mile pace.

Today, I ran seven of them that fast.

My fastest mile on October 2 was 9:58.

Today it was 9:17.

My slowest mile on October 2 was 13:03

Today it was 12:32.

I had ten miles on October 2 that were over 11:00 mile pace.

Today I had only seven.

***

As I have recovered from Achilles surgery, I never lost the hope and belief that I would run well and far again, but as I struggled and toiled in my recovery and training, many doubts came deep inside my head.

These last few weeks have shattered those doubts.

I’m not fast like I once was.

But I am strong again.

I feel ten years younger.

I feel great.

***

The marathon is in three weeks.

I cannot wait!

Marathon Training Update, 2021

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It will be three years since my last marathon when I step up to the (crowded) start in Staten Island for the 50th running of the New York City Marathon in November.

Three years and an Achilles surgery.

This will be, for me, Marathon Number 22 in all. It’ll be my eighth New York.

I love New York. And I love this race.

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