Weekend Runs!

Trail Run Saturday 2/18/2012: Ran with Eugene leading and the group we ran the Wissihickon Trails in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia.  This run was about 8 miles with some nice challenging hills and hill repeats. JJ came along for the run too! He had a blast and saw so many other dogs on the trails.
A great run and I felt really strong on the climbs and took it easy on the flats. I wanted to beat my quads up on hills so that when I train on level ground I would be stronger. Plus this also helps when racing if you run harder on practice runs.

West River Drive out and Back 2/19/2012: Well I woke up really early with the crys of the baby Lillian and I couldn't go back to sleep. So I thought I would go the gym and run on the treadmill 4-5 miles.  So I drive down and remembered that the gym didn't open until 8 am. So I couldn't wait and drove back home changed quickly and went for a run on West River Drive.
It was a little chilly at first on the way out.  I think the temperature was in the 30's. I'm not like most runners and I'd rather be warmer from the start and stay warm. 
Because I was only going to run a couple miles at the gym, I figure if I go outside, I might as well do more.  So I ended up running 7 miles with a brief back workout at the gym. I was averaging miles in the 7:20 min/mile and I felt great.  Especially after doing a hard trail run the day before.  Running on the flat West River Drive was a great recovery run for my beat up legs.
Today wore my Brooks Pure Flow shoes, Brooks Spartan Pants, Brooks Essential Running Jacket. 
 

The wait is almost here.....

I'm counting down for my break in action, so to speak.  I will be writing in periodically on my blog infrequently for the moment, so please keep checking in.  I'm getting nervous and scared on what will happen in the near future.  I will be asking a lot of questions and hopefully getting some good advice.
Check back in on further details.

On another note JJ, the crazy cocker spaniel is an awesome runner. He watches me put on my running gear and starts to freak out. He wants to run with me every time.  (JJ is in the bottom left of sitting in the back of my Jess's car after running the Christmas Race, running 6 min miles)

New Shoes: Brooks Pure Project- "PureFlow"

Yesterday was the first day I wore my new Brooks Pure Project "PureFlow" shoes.  They are part of the new Pure Project light weight line.  I choose this model to give me slight support with cushioning.
I ran with my buddy Eugene on one of the coldest and windy days of the new year.  Temps were in the teens and with a wind chill of 10 degrees.
I started out running in front of my house and just cruised, not to pushing to hard in my new shoes.  With a nice 8:30-9 minute pace the Pure Flows felt great through out the entire training run.
For me the shoes felt like one of the most lightest shoes I've ever worn.  I'm normally use to Brooks Adrenaline       These are a support shoe and I highly recommend them to anyone that doesn't have a perfect: foot, heal strike, flat feet, run on multiple surfaces, pronate, breathable, fit orthodics, and are long lasting.

The PureFlow as you can see here are black and neon yellow.  And as you can see the Brooks Logo is reflective.  Another item I like is the tread on the bottom, which includes a slight split toe tread by the 1st and 2nd toes.
Here are some of the Specs:
Category: Guidance
Weight: 8.7 oz
Platform: Anatomical Last
 Technologies
• BioMoGo DNA Midsole
• IDEAL Heel
• Toe Flex
• Nav Band
• Anatomical Last



New Brooks Pure Project Video

New Year New Post New Person for 2012!!!

Well 2011 was a great running/training/teaching/coaching year for me.  I now 2012 and the fun and stress to start off with at a fresh new slate.
I finally purchased some new Brooks Running Shoes, glove/mitten combo, and Garmin 410 GPS watch.
Now I actually have to go out and train.  Let the fun begin.
So the past 3 weeks now I've been running the Wissihickon trails with FRC and having a blast.
Now with the weather changing, who knows how I can still go out with one day it's freezing and the next warm. 

So now it's time to play with the Garmin and try to use some of it's functions.
Stay well and have a great 2012!!

I will be having fun in the months to come.  Will keep everyone posted.

Fairmount Running Club: Christmas Light Run through Philly

Night Started out at at the Fairmount Running Company on 20th and Fairmount Ave

Macy's Light Show: Market Street

Steve and Phil Standing by the Famous Eagle in Macy's, formally Strawbridges

Love Park

Fairmount Running Club Holiday Party 12/9/11

 Another Fun Fairmount Running Club Holiday Party!!!! This year the party was held at Urban Saloon. 21st and Fairmount Ave.
The party started out at 7 pm and lasted all night.  We all had fun socializing with friends, runners, family members and baby's in the womb.  I loved seeing members who have come to group runs, volunteered and have been apart of the club throughout the year.
Night started out with Katherine Ross, in a beautiful dress, setting up the room and Alyse Reynolds assisting with the glasses. I arrived and was helping with our annual gift exchange set up.  (this is normally a free for all bonanza) Everyone who brings a gift received a ticket so that later they can come up and pick a wrapped gift.  The assortment of food was set up on the side of the room buffet style.  We had our own bar in the back corner for the party.
Members started arriving and I was nuts with my camera.

Christi- Luke-Phil

Kathy and Kathy

Jessica and Eugene

Then around 9pm the gift exchange took place and boy were there some funny ones again this year.  But Jessica just wanted to stick with the basic gift cards to CVS and Dunkin Donuts.  Jess wouldn't let them get stolen so she hide them in a undisclosed location.
Check out all my fun photos and have a good time.....
Have a Happy Holiday Season and Stay healthy but most of all have fun!!!!!!!

Art and Me

Phil- Tom "Tug Boat" -me

Steve Hamilton

Jason -Me

Me- Michelle

Kathy- Me

Me- Mike

Eugene- Me

Dave- Me

Stormy Night!!! Short Run!!!!

Last night was one of those crazy nights: Do I run in the downpour? or do I stay in the nice cozy warm house?  My runners from the Fairmount Running Club were expecting me so I had to go to the Fairmount Running Co. to lead.
Only two others showed up to brave the 50 degree temperatures but the wind must have had 30 mph guest and every couple minutes the rain storm would get worse.

Hope my next group run won't be this depressing.

See you at the runs!