Manchester Road Race

Ran the 72nd Annual Manchester Road Race. The race info said they had a shuttle that ran off Exit 3 of the highway and ran every ten minutes from the lot to the race start up until 10:00 A.M. We were at the highway exit at 9:20, but the cops had already shut it down.


We ended up having to drive to a commuter lot in Bolton and wait in an enourmously long line for the shuttle out there.


On the way to the race we were able to watch some of it headed in the other direction. By the time we made it to the course, they had already shut down the starting line so we just joined in. Unfortunately the course was wall to wall walkers by now, so we had to run weaving in and out. We reached the mile mark 28 minutes into the race.


Still it was a blast. A 4.7 mile party with bands, people dressed in costumes and lots of people drinking beer by the side of the road. My favorite was Santa Claus playing an awesome electric guitar.


Other than a long hill where the walkers were so backed up to make running nearly impossible we ran the whole way.

Next year, I will definately try to get there an hour or more early.

here's a link on the race with video:

Channel 61 Manchester Road Race

Strength Training

I did 15 minutes with dumbells at work. I just used 10 lbs and it was exhausting. But at least its a start.

I've had a bad couple days as far as getting workouts in.

3 Mile Run

Finally got to run -- one time around the resovouir in the bitter wind and cold. I am a slow runner.

Swim Analysis/1000 Yard Swim

I had my sit down tonight with the two swim coaches to go over my stroke video. Not good. It was all business with aJohn madden telestrator laser. The two things they want me to work on are, instead of pushing water directly back, i sweep out with my arms and my kicks suck. My knees bend too much and my ankles are too stiff. So I need to lock my knees more when I swim and get some Zoomers fins to help with development.

I went to the pool and swam 1000 yards. The new stroke was harder and very tiring. The idea is too push the water, not slide through it.

They both sort of down on the Total Immersion style, although even they disagreed with each other on points. I will try to work on pushing water better and kicking better, but I will likely stick to the total immersion style,

1000 Yard Swim

Slep wrong last night and have a very sore neck. managed to make it to the pool to swim just 1000 yards so I could spend more time in the jaccuzzi with the jets on my neck. I feel a little better.

3 Mile Run

Went to the track after work, all bundled up in my Rocky grey hoody and sweat pants. Walked a half mile, and then ran 3 miles, then walked a half.

Swim

Swam for 30 minutes straight, and swam very well. Istarted out counting laps, but then just gave up. I was really concentrating on moving my arm in closer to my body and more powerfully while I rocked from side to side. felt good. I'm estimating I did 1600 yards or so.

4 Mile Run

Ran 4 miles at the reservoir. It finally dawned on me that it isn't a choice between a 5K and a 10K. Since the course has mile markers, I can just run in between them. So today I ran two miles, then turned around and ran back to the start. 4 miles without the temptation to quit when I reach the parking lot.

Next time I can run to mile one, then back to the start, and then run the course for 5.1 miles.

Brilliant!

It took me 46-47 minutes today. Running from a cold start.

1/2 mile Swim

Took lauren to the pool so with all the playtime, I only got to swim 1/2 ,ile. working on my stroke. I think I made some improvement based on what i saw on the video tape, although I think it will help more to have the coaches go over it with me.

Swim Lecture/Taping

I went to the HEat Swim Lecture and then had my swim videotaped. Very interesting. I am anxious to go over it with the coaches. One of the coaches watched me swim and said I had a very good stroke and asked if I had been on a swim team in high school or college. He also said I swam like an accountant and not an artist. I was swimimng slow and deliberate on purpose, so then I had him watch me again and I turned it on a little bit and he said it was much better. From watching the video I can see a couple things. My legs sag a little and that creates some drag. I don't think I bend my left arm as much as my right, and niether of them do I pull in tight enough to my chest. I think I need to cup my hand better. My kicking is pretty spastic.

On the good side, I turn my body well, and extend my arms well, entering on a nice angle.

Overall, I think I will also need to condition myself more and just swim harder and faster.

2.4 Mile Run/ 5K Cheerer

Did an easy neighborhood run this morning before taking Chevaughn down to the race at the Armory where she blazed through the 5K in her first race. I was looking for her to finish in 42 minutes and she came in in the 36-37 minute range. Awesome for a first race and for someone who has never run before starting training. We are going to run the Manchester Road Race together on Thanksgiving.

2000 Yard Swim

80 laps. Felt good, except when I got out both my calves cramped. The hot tub felt very good.

5K Run

Ran the resovouir. Very slow, untimed. I need to run more -- at least 3 times a week.

8 Mile Ride

Rode 8 miles in 40 minutes. I was wearing a ski mask and ski gloves and had my windbreaker zipped up to my neck. I was planning to go farther, but I got a call.

5 Mile Work Loop Ride

Rode 5 miles in 25 minutes. I got bored. Need to do better.