Hills vs. Humidity 07/16/2011
Add Comment Hills vs. Humidity 07/16/2011
Not sure which I’d rather train in and which makes you a more efficient runner. The hills were “fun”in Rhode Island and the dry air felt as if Mother Nature turned on a window unit and was following me every time I stepped foot out the door. It was so downright pleasant, it made me sick. Heck, I felt like a Kenyan. I didn’t even break a sweat until mile 3 (most of the Keyans & Etheopians are so economic that they don’t begin overheating until mile 10, incredible!). Rhode Island. Wow! The English were smart. They must have thought after those first tough winters that the north was a lot better than the tropics and decided to just let the Spanish keep Florida; it’s definitely not worth fighting for. The grass was so green, the sky a brilliant blue that we, in the south, only see on crisp autumn days when the heat and haze have finally pushed offshore with that first cold front in October. The smells of the farms and wildflowers and berries along the roads just kept me invigorated and wanting to climb the next hill or make another turn. The views from the bluffs were priceless (actually they were probably between 1.2- 5 million, but that’s a minor detail), and a few times I had to stop to take it all in. The wildlife blew me away, too: deer, rabbits, groundhogs, chipmunks, squirrels, snakes, otters, every imaginable sparrow wren and songbird; it was as if we were in a preserve. It was awesome. None of these experiences would have been possible if it wasn’t for Bec’s mom getting married, and her and Paul’s graciousness and hospitality in allowing all five of us to invade their “cabin on the side of the hill.” Thank You Nancy & Paul. Seriously. Thank You for everything. Nothing particular to note about the runs other than the shoes I wore are officially bald of tread and are the last pair of my intense era of marathoning. Since returning (which I was dreading) Bec allowed me to buy a pair so I took license and bought three. They fit so well that my feet wouldn’t let me take them off. A couple of pair of incredibly light Adidas and a pair of Nike Lunar something-or-other. The humidity here has been typically sweltering to just plain torturous. I can’t say I’ve totally enjoyed it but I’m running without a watch and just doing 5 milers at basically 7:40- 8 minute pace by feel. No big deal, but it’s something, and when I’m out there I’m not just wanting to get it over with. So, another month and maybe, maybe I'll think about a late fall or early winter race… maybe. Thanks for reading. ~Josh Hello Endorphins, I’ve Missed You Too, Pain. 06/16/2011
Hello Endorphins, I’ve Missed You Too, Pain. 06/16/2011
No, this is not an error. Yes, this is my newest entry in over a year. First run in 6 months. Haven’t had a real goal in nearly 2 years… but what’s the rush now? A post on the local running mBoards got me thinking of some of the blistering training runs I did with the local pack of top guys and made me reminisce my top 5 most memorable running experiences. Here’s what I said: An experience [the Ragnar Relay] that will never be replicated and one of my top 5 running moments I will never forget. Jacksonville Bank Marathon 12/08 Matanzas 5000 1/09 Boston Marathon 4/10 GateRiver Run 15K 3/08 FL Ragnar Relay 11/10 An impromtu last minute absence of the family and the miraculous clearing of smoke from the brushfires with moderate temps after a rainfall, I went for a 4 mile loop around the lighthouse. I can’t say I’m back in the saddle, I’ll see how my feet, legs and body feel when I first try to get out of bed tomorrow morning. It may be hard for some to understand, but I’ve missed the searing pain in my lungs as I breathe deep and stride. I’ve missed the tenseness in my abs as I keep my upper body relaxed; and I’ve missed that verge of rigor mortis as my quads pound out the final half mile of a run. I think I’ve simply tried to forget that I’ve missed those feelings. It’s hard to explain. Some say I need medication and counseling. I think I just need to try harder in getting back out there. I think this is a pretty decent try; and if I write about it then maybe I’ll force myself to follow through. We’ll see where I am a month from now (hopefully at least 10 lbs lighter, lol). The Mickler Mile 05/31/2010
 Sebastian Coe vs. Steve Ovett The Mickler Mile: Race History: Only in its 4th year, the Mickler Miler (mile o’ pain) has the reputation for being a bare bones, no frills, no amenities, no awards, unsactioned (but course certified), ‘sand lot’ type of race with a pay on the day entry fee of a measly $5, and best of all: the shirt is unbelievably cool. Runners featured on the previous years’ shirts have been Roger Bannister, Jim Ryun, Hicham El Goerrouj; and this year: Sebastian Coe and Steve Ovett. Awesome! The course: Point to point, due south; the entirety of Micker Blvd. Women’s start time: 7:30 am Men’s start: immediately following (approx. 7:45) Weather: partly cloudy, 79°/ 85% relative humidity, ESE wind @ 4- 7 mph Introduction: Did a nice easy mile warm up to the start. Got there at 7:27 and watched the ladies take off. Did some strides but not as many as usual since it was already pretty warm and I was dripping sweat. The starter, Todd N., came back after starting and biking along with the ladies. Honestly, the last coherent non running related thought process I had was: "It's too early in the morning, It's hot, I don't have my contacts in, I want coffee!" We came up to the line, and Todd said, “Runners set… go!” Act I It was a very clean and fast start. No jostling, no bumping. Everyone knew their place. The lead pack of 7 were in a tight cluster for the first 400. I lost contact with them at 200. I could feel a slight breeze from the SE (damn it) and went through the first quarter in 73 (1:13). Foot speed was comfortable and I didn’t feel like I was straining. I was staying relaxed but my breathing was already on the brink of being anaerobic. Act II 2nd 400 was 79 (1:19). What the hell? I may have clicked the watch a second late, but that still means I’m at 2:31 for the half. I’ve still got a chance. I’m stronger than I was last year and I faded in the last 200 last year, too. I kept telling myself: “this year I will not fade, this year I will not fade.” As I went through the 11st intersection, could feel just a slight resistance from a ESE wind. At the 3rd I could hear footsteps, but I was slowly connecting with a straggling high schooler that fell off the lead pack. Act III Went through the 1200 with a 76 (1:16). I didn’t do the math while I was running the last quarter, but looking at the numbers now, there was no way I was going to lay down a 71, …no way. I pulled up even with the kid and surged two feet in front but he had just enough to pull ahead and the footsteps I’d heard earlier slid past with 100 to go. It turns out I ran a 5:05. Another 76 for the last quarter. Good enough for 9th overall. Not what I wanted, but it wasn’t a step backward either. I’m sure with a rabbit, or a pacer I would have been there. But I don't want to start a debate. Prologue: They guys in the club are saying I should try the August mile race in Jax, or just run the first mile of the Run For The Pies 5k on June 12th in Jax. We’ll see… Either way, Run For The Pies is next and the summer running season is officially here. Thanks for reading, ~Josh Back In The Saddle Again... finally!! 05/26/2010
Rewind. Boston, Massachusetts: April 17-20, 2010 The weekend I spent with Becca in Boston for the Boston Marathon will be a phenomenal memory for the rest of my life. Qualifying to get there has been such a huge and enduring piece in my life that now that it’s over and we're home, it’s taken awhile for everything to sink in and to be able to fully reflect on all that happened. Becca and I could not have left for 4 days and 3 nights if it hadn’t been for our incredible friend Erin G. who is a huge part of our family. Thank you, Erin, for all that you did and have done for our children. The trust and love we have for you is beyond words. Saturday, April 17: The flight up was uneventful except for JIA security pouncing on me at the passenger screening because I was a scruffy looking long haired skinny runner dressed in black. The Jet Blue direct flight was on time, and there were 10 or so other runners chattering about running experiences that just added to the buzz. We arrived by shuttle to the Sheraton Boston in the Back Bay area and checked in. It was a beautiful suite on the 20th floor facing north with a panoramic view of the Charles River, Fenway Park to the west, MIT on the opposite river bank, and the Boston Commons to the east. It was absolutely incredible to see that view every time we walked in and it was very cool to watch it transpire throughout the day and night. We dropped off the luggage, freshened up, and went right back downstairs and to the Runners’ Expo. What made the Boston experience so convenient was that our hotel was connected to the Hynes Convention Center (home of the expo) and 100’s of stores and restaurants. Even though the weather was cold, raw and rainy on Saturday and Sunday, we didn’t have to go out in it if we didn’t want to; it really couldn’t have been a better set up.   First order of business was getting the bib numbers for the 5K that Becca and I were running the next morning. Check. Then we went to the next hall to get my bib and chip for Monday’s race. I brought the wrong card from the hotel, but with some extra help we got it resolved. Then it was over to get the bag of stuff and the running shirt; and finally we were off to browse and shop in the expo for the last hour before they closed. Every volunteer had a smile on their face and had so much patience with every runner; even at the end of the day with less than an hour to go. I didn’t see one volunteer roll their eyes at any dumb questions nor did I see any volunteer prodding the patrons to leave or rudely telling anyone to come back the next day. The expo was fun and we got plenty of souvenirs (some free and some pretty darn pricey). We happened to meet our friends from the local running club and talked for a few minutes before heading back to the room and getting ready for dinner.  Welcome!   "Whaddya mean: 'I have the wrong card'?" We found a terrific bar and grill that was hopping! The Boston Celtics were in the playoffs and had just tipped off at the Boston Garden and the Bruins would be playing the next night. The place was packed, but we found two seats at the bar and had an awesome dinner without having to wait. Perfect. The night’s sleep in the king bed was just what I needed; and the next morning we were ready for the 5K.  2nd Corral Sunday, April 18: On the way to the 5K start on Boylston St. we had to walk through the marathon finish line area that they were working on for the next day. The walk to the start was a mere 4 blocks. Our hotel couldn’t have been any closer. We met up with Becca’s uncle while we were waiting for the start and he was able to watch us finish and stay for breakfast afterwards for a nice visit.  Pre-race photo op! It was cloudy at the start, and rain showers had passed through earlier that morning. The course itself was a nice tour of Boston I (the last mile is basically the same as the marathon, so I was able to actually look around and soak in the atmosphere), and the 5K finished at the same spot as the marathon. Becca ran a 32:20 which was great considering how crowded it was. We were both happy for her time, but we both know she can easily break 30. I was able to run ahead and get a couple of pics as Becca ran by me. The race had 5000 runners and every finisher got a nice BAA gold and blue medal. What I thought was a good idea from a race director’s standpoint was that after the race, the runners stuffed their own race bag rather than getting one the day before already filled.  Walking to the 5K start. Through tomorrow's finish line archway. The brunch was a wonderful spread at the hotel restaurant. Becca’s uncle was able to stay for the morning and we shared stories and caught up on old times. It was nice to see family. Afterwards we went back up to the room to rest before heading over to watch the Red Sox play the Tampa Rays at Fenway Park. That afternoon, short rain showers moved through; and we were fortunate enough to have seats behind home plate that were far enough back to be covered by the grandstand. Fenway is incredible. It was built in 1912 and is the oldest major league baseball park. You could feel the ghosts. I only had a pretzel and a beer and we stayed until the fifth inning. It wasn’t that great of a game. The Rays ended up trouncing the Sox, 9-2, but the experience of being in that tiny little stadium and seeing the Green Monster in person was an unforgettable experience for a baseball fan. We walked the 5 blocks back to the hotel and took a nap before calling room service for dinner. Ahh convenience. The panoramic cityscape of Boston at night was a beautiful vision as I fell asleep. I was starting to fall in love with the city.  Fenway at Van Ness and Ipswich  . ... a lyric, little bandbox of a ballpark. ~ John Updike Monday, April 19 Patriot’s Day:  MIT and the Charles River at 5AM on Marathon Monday I was up by 5am and walked 5 blocks down to the Park Plaza (the same blocks as the previous morning) to pick up the reserved bus that was waiting. Most of the 20,000 runners rode on school buses to the start in Hopkinton but earlier this year I was offered a seat on a charter bus that I gladly took. A private restroom with no line at any time is well worth $25 before the start of a marathon. The ride was about an hour and after stretching, I walked into the athlete village at about 8am.  No "would haves, could haves, should haves, or if onlys."  23,000 runners await... The village was where all the runners congregated to wait before the walk to the start. Most simply napped, others socialized and mingled while others had their own routines. The weather was absolutely perfect. The front had moved through over night and the temperature at start time was right around 45. The wind was light out of the NW (so a bit of a tail wind/ cross wind mix, not a big factor). At 9:15 most of us started to file out and down to the start. I got to corral #2 and took off the warm clothes I had and gave to a couple of volunteers that were collecting them from all the runners. At 9:45 the elites came out from the church basement that’s right next to the start and everyone starting clapping and cheering. There was then a slowly building roar when Meb and Ryan came out last (very cool).  A sea of humanity.  Results of premature/ hypo- hydration. With the National Anthem, theF-14 flyover, the ‘crack’ of the starting gun, we’re rolling. Here, for posterity, are the splits (the good, the bad and the ugly): 1- 6:59 2- 6:39 3- 6:46 (5K- 21:04) 4- 6:32, 1st four are downhill. I held back quite a bit, so I can’t say I blew up in the Newton Hills because of going out too fast. 5- 6:49 6- 6:36 (10- 41:53) 7- 6:40 8- 6:45 9- 6:41 (15K- 62:43) 10- 6:46 11- 6:51 12- 6:50 (20K- 1:24:00) 13- 6:50, downhill. But more importantly: Wellesley College, the Scream Tunnel. You could hear the young ladies a half mile before and after passing them. Truly a highlight of any mile of the 10,000 + miles I have ever run. (13.1- 1:28:37) 14- 6:49 15- 7:02 (25K- 1:45:30) 16- 7:01 17- 7:59, OK, this isn’t fun anymore. Nine to go. 18- 9:10 (30K- 2:10:36) 19- 7:31, trying to dig deep. My last respectable mile. 20- 8:19 21- 10:13, It’s geographically and literally all downhill from this point, but now it actually hurts more to run down than up. I can’t run any faster going downhill, or my quads will seize. (35K-2:38:24) 22- 8:57 23- 10:09 24- 9:02, Trying to look tough for the Boston College students who are totally wasted at this point and just screaming at us from the top of their lungs, “YOU GOT THIS!!! GO! GO! GO!” (40K-3:08:07) 25- 9:21 26- 9:30 .2- 1:54 Official chip time= 3:20:51 It’s done. Boston is over. 10th and final marathon in the book. Needless to say, I spent about 40 minutes in the med tent after finishing due to hydration issues and Becca was heartbroken that I didn’t see her at the final turn at the corner of Hereford and Boylston, where she had been standing for 4 hours! We finally met and she got me back to the room. I soaked in a bath, rested for the afternoon and then our first stop was the hotel bar for that first celebratory beer and that scrumptious hamburger. There was a nice threesome of finishers from Canada who shared their stories with us and a charity runner came in straight from the finish and ordered a beer.  Hereford and Boylston at 7AM. The final turn.  3 hours before the start and six towns away.  Delirious, yet soooo ready for a Sam Adams and a burger!  BOSTON: Engine 33/ Ladder 15  It's not gold, but I worked hard for it.  Chris C., a great training partner who ran a sub 3!  My Boston experience would have meant nothing without sharing it. Thank You Bec. From the bar we went to the corner firehouse and asked for a great local place to hang for the evening. Becca and I went to a super place called Charley’s on Gloucester St. My goal was to have 13 drinks by night’s end. I think I made it to 12, and I don’t remember anything after that. Tuesday, April 20: The next day was rough. I probably was still legally drunk on the flight home. It was a blast. Did I want a faster time? Of course. But do I have any “should haves, would haves, or could haves?” Nope. Not one. It is what it is. I ran the Boston Marathon and Becca was with me. It took me 6 years to get there, and I’ll have the memory of that weekend in Boston with Becca, forever. Prologue: So, why did it take so long to write this simple weekend race report? Simple answer: I didn’t want it to end. Once you put memory into words and onto paper there’s a sense of closure, that it’s over. There’s been a little part in me that hasn’t wanted let go. But it’s time to move on. I’m still running and logging miles, but I don’t have plans for doing a marathon for quite some time. My goal now is to break 5 in the mile (coming up this Monday, May 31, The Mickler Mile) and getting back under 17 for the 5K (quite possibly as early as June 12 at The Run for The Pies in downtown Jacksonville). We’ll see what happens… Thanks for reading, and thanks for your patience. I promise not to be away so long next time. ~Josh An Incredible Send Off 04/16/2010
It’s Friday morning, and when I got to school, I received a call to meet with our Guidance Counselor. As we spoke in the main hallway, my Principal came nearby and motioned for me to stand “right here” as she pointed to the ground. I immediately thought she was pulling me aside to give me a stern lecture or tell me about a serious concern but then she walked down the main hall. At 7:40, the students were released from the gym to go to their homeroom class to start the day. As they walked out in two columns (boys on the left, girls on the right) the first boy and girl said, “Good luck on Monday, Mr. Romaine.” … and then gave me a high five. I thought: “ Cool. They must be friends of one of my students that mentioned it to them.” But I was still thinking about what my Principal wanted to talk about with me. Then the next student gave me a high five, …then the next, …then the next. I got over 600 high fives and good luck wishes from practically every student at my school this morning to send me off to Boston and it was incredible! I teach middle school (grades 6- 8) of a predominantly low socio-economic and disadvantaged population, and pre- teens generally aren't the most open and congratulatory type, so to hear some of them wish me good luck was pretty neat. I tried to be as calm and nonchalant as a lot of the students had been but I could tell they knew I was pretty happy and excited. I sent an email when I got to my classroom to thank everyone who organized the send off because it was pretty special yet low key and under the radar at the same time. Here’s the note I sent: Thank you sooo much for that surprise. It was incredible and gave me chills. The guys I train with will be jealous when I tell them about the send off. When the pain starts setting in (and believe me, alot of pain will come) I will be thinking about every student at Sebastian and imagine that they're screaming for me to not slow down or give up. ~ Josh Well, that’s it for now. Home to pack then play with the kids one last time before our very good friend comes over to stay with us tonight and who will also watch the kids while we’re away. The Twitter updates seem to be the easiest so check back over the weekend to see what Becca and I are doing in Boston before the race and you can also check the BAA website on Monday to track me as well. No matter what, I’m going to Boston and I’m going to leave it all in Boston. There will be no “would haves, should haves, could haves,” or “if only’s.” Taper for Boston 04/06/2010
Here’s my schedule for the next two weeks, leading up to race day. It’s pretty close to what I ran for Jax Bank in Dec 2008. 6 Tue- 7 @7:25 7 Wed- 8@ 7:15 8 Thu- rest 9 Fri- 5 @ 7:10 10 Sat- rest 11 Sun- 12 @ 7:05 12 Mon- rest 13 Tue- 6 @ 7:25 14 Wed- 7 @ 7:20 15 Thu- rest 16 Fr-i 5@ 7:35 17 Sat- Travel Day 18 Sun- 3 @ 9:00 19 Mon- Race Day An Open Letter to the Marathon: 04/05/2010
For six years I’ve set my running regimen to become as efficient as possible at running 26.2 miles. The day will soon be here to run the race I have thought about on nearly every run and dreamt about since I learned of its hallowed course and storied history. In the time I have qualified for Boston, I have lost my mother and other close family members but have gained my 3 precious children and their love. Friendships have fallen away, but new relationships have been built. I have had tragedies and celebrations. I hope I’ve grown wiser as I’ve gotten older. I know I’m a better runner than I was six years ago, but more importantly I hope I’m a better person too. Looking at my children, I can only hope that they find a passion that helps them sort through life as I have found through running. My children are no longer infants and toddlers and their schedules now require time for activities that take away time to best train for marathons. I have enjoyed focusing on the Marathon, but running Boston is a perfect opportunity to close this chapter and begin a new one in my running life. I look forward to continue running and training but also spending even more time with my family. Realizing this is an end is somewhat cathartic and reassuring that I am growing. I have enjoyed the strict daily program of an organized run but I am also looking forward to improvising and not beating up myself if I miss a run. The Marathon has taught me a lot, and even when I stop training specifically for that distance, I’ll be able to draw from those lessons for a long time to come. Ella's Lighthouse 5K 03/24/2010
 Yes I AM a Runner! This past Saturday, Ella finished the Lighthouse 5K in 35:27 which was her 3rd 5K… ever. The previous 2 were the Bridge of Lions 5K (July 19, 2008; 51:45) and the Shut Up & Run X-C 5K (Nov 26, 2009; 34:20). To say I am proud of her would be an understatement. I have never cajoled or begged or forced her to run. The times I’ve asked if she wants to run in a race, Ella has casually answered, “sure… why not?” Ahhh… youth.  Hi Mom! Bye Mom!! It was warm for the race (not blazing July hot, but still warm enough to have two water stations). Ella and I lined up close to the back and headed out at a 10/ 11 minute pace. I carried a water bottle for her, and Ella sipped from it every half mile. We basically ended up doing a Galloway run/walk approach by running 7 minutes and walking 4  Finishing Strong and With A Smile! Ella didn’t seem to mind when I wanted to hold her hand a couple of times (once at the half way point and another with a half mile to go). She finished incredibly strong and had enough energy to climb and play on an enormous inflatable slide for 30 minutes while Mom and Dad sipped on a few free beers. The race was sponsored by Michelob Ultra; it’s not exactly my favorite, but free beer is free beer.   A Very Lucky Dad. The night before, Ella and Mom went to the Aretha Franklin concert, so by Saturday evening, the excitement had finally caught up to her and she crashed hard at bedtime. Ella was very proud of her shirt which she could hardly wait to wear to school on Monday. I’m sure she’ll do another race by the end of the year, and she can count on me to be right by her side.  A Very Happy Runner. | About MeI love to run and eat healthy. But, I also absolutely love dark chocolate and probably would eat more if I didn't spend so much time running.  Personal Records:
1/2 mile- 2:28 (half mile split @ Mickler Mile 5/25/09) My Philosophy, Fitness For Life:Eat well. Play well. Sleep well. These three simple tasks will lead anyone to optimal health and fitness. I believe everyone has an instilled cycle of wellness and everyone wants to feel their best, look their best and do their best. My goal is to help everyone to attain his or her highest level of wellness by building self-confidence through physical experiences and knowledge. Marathon Results:
3:51:42 (Jax Bank 12/19/04) Music:Jazz- My favorites are Miles and 'Trane. But my favorite era is 1945- 1962. I love the sound of the piano, bass and drums trio. My favorite voice is by far and away Ella Fitzgerald, but Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday round out the trinity of beautiful jazz vocalists. Books/ Authors & Poets:My favorite poets are the Romantics. I call them 'The Big 5:' Keats, Wordsworth, Shelley, Byron and Coleridge. But I like the grandfather of modern poetry: Walt Whitman, along with ee cummings, Carl Sandberg and Robert Frost. CategoriesAll ArchivesJuly 2011 |
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