JJ's longest Run

Today 11/27/11 was one of the most beautiful November days and we probably won't see one of these this year.  Weather was a mild 55 sunny day to start the run at 8:45 this morning.
Meet up with Eugene G. and John C. and my new running partner JJ (cocker spaniel puppy)  In Philadelphia as it is better none as the drives, East (Kelly) and West (MLK) we run the Loop - it is a 8.45 mile in distance.

Running the Loop today was a first for me in a long time during a training run.  So I thought I'm not going to run too fast lets bring JJ.  The only issue though JJ had was he's longest run has only been 5 miles.  I wouldn't know for sure what the little boy could handle.  So let's go and do it!
We started on the usually Kelly Drive 1st and then West River Drive 2nd.
Everything was going really well and JJ loves to run in the pack.  Even when Eugene likes to run on his own JJ wanted to catch up to him.  When we reached Falls Bridge (half way point) there was no problem.  JJ did look like he needed to drink a gallon of water.  Philadelphia has a bunch of water fountains on the path, but water was turned off for the winter months.  So there is a small waterfall on the side of the road and little JJ climbed up the side so he can get a quick drink.
As we finished the run JJ was clearly exhausted.  I thought this was going to be the greatest quiet day in the house now.
The only problem now is that JJ's lower body was so dirty and I had to throw him in the tub for a bath.

JJ wasn't allowed in the house because his paws were so dirty.

Check out all the mud on the those pads and hair.

JJ was so good in the tub and he loved the warm water and the rub down he got from Jess and I. After that he was let out of the bathroom, sat down and then went over to the window to let the sun beat down on his coat.

 

 But after he went to dry off he got tired and passed out. 

This is what it really feels like to run almost 9 miles.

Let's see how well JJ will feel on Monday.  Time will tell!!!!

Good the Bad the Ugly!

I had a great run in Wilkes Barre for Thanksgiving.  I ran some killer hills.  The inclines were about 12-15% grade and was an extreme heart pounding experience. 
Ran close to hour and half. I felt beat up after that run since I really haven't done a hill workout this difficult in a long time.  Some spots on the climbs it felt like I was running in place.  My quads and my calves could barely propel my body up the hills. 
But I love the hills and I always say that after running hills, the flat training is so much easier. 
Once I made it back to the house, Jessica said, you stick and need to take a shower now!  I was taking off my shirt and I felt a bump on the left side of my abdomen. I looked down to find the most disgusting thing, a Tick was head first dug into my body.  Everyone wanted to find out why I was screaming, and when I told them I had a tick stuck in my body. 
I grabbed anyone who would pull this damn creature out of my side.

Then Jess's cousin got some tweezers and I fell down to the floor and tried to have the little rascal yanked out of my body.  The little tick must have used it's barbed teeth and locked on my body after it dug in.  It was difficult for him to pull the entire tick out.

Once the tick was pulled out of my side we saved the disgusting critter and placed it in a bag and put some alcohol on the infected area and a medicated bandage.  I have never seen a tick bite on a human being and it is mess.  Now I have to just watch the area and I'm going to call a doctor for an appointment.  
More to come!!!!!!!

Check out this video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0_hU3cIiU8&feature=email

Nice Run tonight with Steve H.  it was the night before Thanksgiving and we completed a nice 35 min run down Kelly drive. Not many people out there.  I still can't figure out why people don't show up for the group run out of all the people listed on our FaceBook page.  You would think out of over 400 people you'd at least get about 20.  But know one! this is sad for my running club.  I just have to try harder to get people out for the runs.
Steve and I just cruised at an easy pace and just talked about his upcoming marathon he's doing this weekend in Seattle.
I wish him the best. 
Planning on getting some nice runs in during the long weekend and just relax on Saturday.

NJEA Convention 2011 5k Race 11/11/11

This years NJEA Convention 5k Race was a great one!
The race is held every year in conjunction with the annual NJEA Teachers Association Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey. I always have a great time and see fellow teachers in all disciplines. On the Friday of the convention there is always a 5k race to have fellow teachers and friends do something physically active.  It's a shame that teachers, don't take part in the morning event.

Race day was 11/11/11 and it was truly a windy day. The wind gust must have been 20-30 mph. with sand blown across the Atlantic City Board Walk.
There was one young kid who showed up and took off from the beginning. Another guy and myself had a hard time even keeping up with him so we let him take off.  And about half mile into the race I left the other guy and ran on my own. That was a great decision to make because the other guy wasn't running the 6 minute pace I wanted to keep. 
I felt great running in my Brooks Green Silence, which felt great on the Atlantic City Board walk.

The race went very well when I approached the 1/2 way point turn around. I found out that I had a nice lead on the other runners.  I continued to keep my pace and fight through the wind.
When I saw the finish line approaching, at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall, I tried to use whatever I had left. 
I was so happy with the result of finishing 1st NJEA member, and 2nd overall. 
With a finishing time of 18:42.
About 2 hours later I went to the awards ceremony and thought I was just going to receive the regular silver mug, I found out that 1st NJEA member wins a beautiful glass trophy.

1st Place Male & Female Members

1st Place NJEA Member

Great race this year and I hope to run it again next year!

Wednesday Night FRC group run 11/2/11

This was JJ after the 5 miler run tonight. We had a great FRC group run from the Fairmount Running Company
Tonight there were over 15 people and some nice splinter groups that took off.  1st Steve and some new guys went off, after telling me they were going to take it easy.  Yeah Right!
I stayed with Maria and then Naomi and Tom came up from behind. 
The entire run JJ had stayed on stride with the pack.  He just loved it and is so tired that he has no idea what he's doing. His body wants to collapse but he needs to keep moving.

Then Luigi, Steve and Anthony came a couple minutes later up Fairmount Ave.
I even saw Art Donley out there walking tonight. Everyone felt great and I hope to see the great group at next weeks Wednesday night run.