Coach Wayne

After many years of running I am finally doing some training for my core and upper body. I have read articles, listened to lectures, discussed it with fellow runners, but never did anything to improve these areas. Shame on me! Sure I did some cycling and swimming and enjoyed both of those activities. Recently, my friend and fellow marathoner, Wayne Talbott, began a program to help me improve my core and upper body strength. I was never a "gym" type person working on indoor equipment. So my twice a week workouts in Bluejacket Park are ideal. I knew I needed this training in order to make a successful attempt at a BQ. I didn't know if I was going to like "pumping iron". As it turns out, with 10 weeks of workouts, I am enjoying this new endeavor. I have a long way to go, but I can feel an improvement already. So, I will keep this up and hopefully by the time I run my half-marathon in October, this training will help me reach my time goal. Thanks, Coach Wayne.

"Tunnel To Tower"

I am asking for your support in my fundraising efforts for the "Tunnel To Tower" organization. There will be a 5K race at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs, September 7, 2013. This organization assists firefighters, first responders, and military personnel.

I am raising this money in tribute to Jonathan Ielpi, FDNY, Squad 288. Jonathan was killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11. One of the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives that day.

The "Tunnel To Tower" run is a tribute to FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller. When his route to the WTC was blocked by traffic, he gathered his equipment and ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the WTC. Tragically, he lost his life that day.

http://www.t2trun.org//campaign/display/profile.do?campaignId=17234

Slowly But Surely

It may not seem like many miles to some of you who will read this, but for me it is a steady improvement. I logged 18 miles this past week. I already have 6 miles in the books for this week. My plan is to get my weekly mileage up to about 25 prior to my October 20th half-marathon. My run this morning, 6 miles, was done in 1:06. On Thursday, I ran the Watermelon 5K, with a 2 mile warm up and 2 miles post race. I was not racing the 5K, but wanted to be close to my goal pace. I finished in 31:30 or a 10:10 min/mile pace. I am making progress and that's what counts. I have 14 weeks until the half-marathon so I believe I am on track for my goal. As my base increases, I will add speed workouts. I need to remember that a 10:00 min/mile pace gets me to my BQ qualifier. I would like to be in the area of 9:30 min/mile (2:04) for the half-marathon. Watermelon 5K photo courtesy of Pamela Starr. 

Where it Began

I can't believe my love of running started some 50 years ago. The attached photo is from a high school meet in 1963. Yes, that is me, a bit thinner, some hair and much more speed. I ran cross country and track for Great Neck South High School (NY). My event in track was the 880 yard run, we didn't know what meters were back then. The thrill of competition, your teammates and Mr. Ernie Clark our head coach made for some memorable times. Some times when I run now I can still hear him yelling at me. In those days coaches could be tough without fear of being fired. It wasn't unlike Coach Clark to have a cigarette or two while we were practicing. We had a great team. The school opened in 1958 and the track team went undefeated in dual meets until my senior year. The bus ride back to the school from Garden City, NY was a long one. I still have contact with several of my former teammates. Running has brought me many friends.