Some months ago (many months ago) I asked the RBF some questions about the running blogs – how you got here, what kept you coming back etc. It was a Top Secret Project I was working on…anyone remember that? I’m surprised no one has pestered me about the details…so since you’ve all be so patient, I will now share with you the Top Secret Project.

Originally, I had planned to write an article about the running blogs and submit it to the running magazines with the hope that it would be published. After many, many, many drafts, I realized that I'm not a writer. I was getting too stressed out and it ceased being fun. So I sent a letter to the editor of Runner’s World, asking him to consider my idea.

Here’s the text of the email from early September:

Dear Mr. Willey,

I have recently found myself a member of a unique running community. We share race stories, advice on injuries, reviews on gear and the latest training programs. We share information on nutrition and pre-race menus. We donate to each other's charities and cheer each on at races. Standard fare, really.

Except hardly any of us have ever met in person.

This entire community has sprung up from web logs (blogs) dedicated to the topic of running. The blogs take web forums and list servs to a new level, as each blog belongs to one runner and it's easy to keep track of their progress and setbacks.

At this writing, there are over 70 blogs out there that we know about it. Mark Iocchelli and Aaron Trimble developed www.completerunning.com, which includes a comprehensive list of all the known running blogs. I am certain that there are more that we haven't been introduced to yet.

I discovered the running blogosphere while looking for some type of support system as a lonely runner in a rural area of Connecticut. I cannot begin to express how meaningful and powerful the experience has been for me. A recent poll of the other members of the running blogs (The Running Blog Family, or RBF for short) revealed that most
members of the RBF have benefited tremendously from their involvement. The stories and anecdotes are endless.

I'm a runner, not a writer. Originally, I had hoped to write a great piece for you to consider publishing, either in print or on-line. Instead, I will turn that creative process over to your trusted hands. I have comprehensive notes and perfect quotes that one of your writers is welcome to use, with the hope that I will get some type of "contributing" credit.

I'm confident that this story could either stand-alone or be part of a larger feature on how technology has changed the sport of running. From shoe shopping, to injury research to race results and registration, the Internet has made running accessible to more people. For me, it brought me into a circle of friends that share a common passion for running.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for your consideration

A few days later, I received a response from none other than Amby Burfoot. And while he did express some interest in my idea, I got the sense that the running blogs were not going to be featured in the magazine any time soon. I occasionally send Mr. Burfoot an email to update him on the status of the blogs – for example, when we hit 100 running blogs, I let him know. And he’s always kind enough to respond, albeit briefly. (I also sent a note to Running Times, but never, ever heard back from them.)

There you have it folks - secret revealed. I really wanted to do something special for the RBF, to recognize you for all your support, advice and generosity (financially, spiritually, etc.). Although my plan did not work out the way I wanted it to, I thought I should at least share my idea with you so you know how much you mean to me. (And feel free to email Runner's World and Running Times and tell them how cool the blogs are!)

Run smooth, run strong!

There's been some running going on. And some shopping. And lots of cleaning. And tonight will begin the 'lots of cooking' phase. It's that time of year, when I transform into some crazy whirling dervish, hardly able to get out of my own way. I really thrive on chaos, so this is a fun time of year for me.

I logged about 25 miles last week, which is just where I want to be for the winter months. My goal is to get in three runs during the week, between 4-7 miles each and then put in a long run of about 10-12 miles on the weekend. I figure that will keep me in shape to start marathon training at the start of the new year.

Yup. Marathon training. Again. I'm completely driven to do it. Make sure it wasn't just some crazy fluke. I'd like to find a marathon close to home in either April or May. I've decided to wait until January to do any serious research. Get through the holiday season, get through the second eye surgery and assess how I am feeling about marathoning. After that, I just might consider doing a triathlon (sprint distance). We'll see. One day at a time.

In order to improve my fitness level for these upcoming goals, I actually dragged my body into the gym and 'threw some metal around' - as Chris would say. I took it easy, since it's been about a year since I last lifted weights. I did 7 upper-body exercises, 2 sets each and I am still pretty sore, two days later. I'm hoping to get back there today for some lower-body stuff and a run on the 'dreadmill.'

There's been quite a bit of racing going on in the RBF! Two race reports from last week stood out in particular, and I wanted to direct you to them. Martin, from Australia, did his first triathlon and he is an INSPIRATION to say the least. And Richard was out there, kickin' Bison butt in Texas, which wasn't a big surprise to me since he has been working so hard. (I'm a little behind in my blog reading, so most of you are probably hip to all this already.)

To those of you that celebrate Thanksgiving - have a happy one! And if you are running a Turkey Trot this year...just think of that sweet apple pie at the end (right Annalisa?).

Sometimes, life gets in the way of running plans.

Literally.

Yesterday would have been the perfect day for a run. Partly cloudy, mid-50’s…perfect autumn day.

But it was an even better day to watch my niece being born.

After I spent almost six hours waiting in the hosptial room, my sister-in-law finally had her baby girl at 6:22 p.m. All 8.7 pounds, 20 inches of the Niece is absolutely beautiful, healthy and perfect.

The birth was a huge family event, with about 8 of us there to watch - not including the dad, three nurses and the doc. The two grandfathers waited in the lobby.

Some of my favorite quotes of the day:

• Doctor walks into the room to see at least ten of us sitting around mom, waiting…and he says ‘Don’t you all know that a watched pot never boils?’

• The Nephew decided he wanted to see his sister being born. He had a partiay obstructed side-view of the birth, right near the door in case he (and/or I) wanted to leave. I warned the Nephew about the placenta – so he didn't freak out when something else came out after the baby. He asks me, with great concern, if mom will ‘grow a new one.’

• Nephew sees his sister’s head crown and he says ‘Holy crud, that’s a lot of hair!’

I’ve never seen a live birth before and I was completely overwhelmed with emotion, watching this amazing little person arrive in the world.

It was well worth having to reschedule my run ‘til today.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that I’ve only been running ‘seriously’ for the last year and half. I did flirt a bit with running while I was in college.

I’m not sure exactly how it started, but I seem to recall a professor of mine telling me that I could use to ‘firm up’ in the backside area. I was an Exercise Science student at the time, and while his comment may seem harsh and inappropriate…ah hell, it was inappropriate…he teetered on the brink of sexual harassment on a daily basis…still, he was right. And since I wanted to be a personal trainer, it made sense to be in good shape.

Not to mention the fact that some of the women on the cross-country/track team thought I was runner, just based on how my legs looked. That was just the extra ego-boost I needed.

And having a boyfriend who ran didn’t hurt either – at least I scored some decent running shoes as a birthday gift. (I was hoping for an engagement ring…I got a pair of Asics, with a note that said ‘No ring this time. A court once ruled that if it’s given as a gift, it may be kept.’ How’s that for a vote of confidence?)

At first, I was all about the treadmill. It was safe and warm inside on the ‘mill. I could wear my bright blue spandex shorts and a XL neon pink t-shirt. I could hide from the masses and not get laughed at. But, as we all know, after a while the treadmill got boring. So I ventured outside. Out onto the same campus that I sill run on today.

It was late autumn by the time I got into running. And the next thing I knew, it was cold out. Really, really cold with some occasional snow. It’s all about layers. I think. My cold-weather outfit consisted of: spandex running tights under cotton-lined wind pants, a cotton turtleneck, topped by the obligatory college sweatshirt (also cotton). On top of that, there was the fleece lined wind-breaker (pull-over – hot pink inside, electric blue outside), a neck warmer, headband/ear warmer and gloves. Oh, let’s not forget the Walkman, jammin’ late 80’s and early 90’s music.

How did I even move? How did I not DIE from the heat? And the dampness of all that cotton? Holy schmoly. I remember being jealous of my friends who had the nice Gore-Tex running jackets (and matching pants). But I just couldn’t bear to part with that much money for clothing. There was beer to be consumed, for Pete’s sake! Priorities!

Is it really any wonder why I didn’t stick with running back then?

And now, twelve years later, here I am, happy to spend money on all the right gear. And the beer? Well, let’s just say that I don’t have as many opportunities to enjoy it with the same enthusiasm as I did in college (‘university’ to some) and that’s ok. Most days, I’d rather be running.

What the hell is wrong with me, only posting once a week!? What has happened to my blog!? I usually post after each run...I've been so distracted lately. Rest assured that I have been READING the blogs...just not writing much - comments or posts.

The Back Log:

Last Wednesday, I ran about 4.5 miles around the campus where I work.

Friday night the plan was to run at work again. Either outside or on the indoor track. The weather was horrendous - cold, windy, sleeting. And the thought of running around and around and around just didn't appeal to me. After much internal debate, I decided to hit the treadmill at home. It took every ounce of will power to get me on that dumb thing. And as soon as it started, I remembered all the reasons why I hate it. It was hot. It was boring. I couldn't find a good pace. I spent too much time obsessing about the numbers on the display. Sigh. I squeaked out three miles, but it was the least fun I've had running in a long time.

The Food Hangover:

Just when I think I know it all, I realize how much more there is to learn about running, fuel and hydration. For example, I learned that popcorn, twizzlers and reese's pieces DO NOT qualify as 'lunch' and are NOT good foods to eat the day before a long run. I also learned that water is just as important on the weekends as it is on weekdays (Does this happen to anyone else? I drink a TON of water at work, but once I'm home, I hardly drink at all.) In addition, I learned that standing for three hours over an industrial sized stove, cooking eggs for a pancake breakfast is NOT the best way to 'warm up' for a long run. And last but not least, partners make all the difference (but I've mentioned that before).

So was there really any mystery as to why my 10-mile run SUCKED? Do we need to dissect what must have happened to cause my legs to feel like lead, with bricks for feet? Why I kept finding myself doing a 10:00 min/mile instead of my usual 9:00? No, my friends. We need not look too far. It was the food hangover from the movie-food-lunch. Refined sugar and excessive sodium. No one to blame but myself. Sigh.

I thought of the RBF often this weekend, wishing you well on your long runs and races. Chris and Pam were out there kicking butt!

In other news, I joined a gym this weekend. The guilt of paying to lift weights is just the incentive I need to get there. And the prospect of some cardio cross-training is appealing as well.

Finally, to those of you wondering….as far as my ‘new’ eye goes: still recovering. Slowly. And there’s been a small, common, easily-fixed complication. The other eye is scheduled for right before Christmas, which eliminates the 5K I had planned to run on Christmas Day. But I will have more time away from the constant reading and computer work I do at my job.

April-Anne met me at UConn (University of Connecticut) tonight for a jaunt around campus. I was thrilled to see her pull into the parking lot, since she ran into a logistical snag last week and couldn't find our meeting spot.

We bundled up, bracing ourselves for the first real 'cold' run of the season. It was around 35 degrees (F) but with very little wind (thankfully!) and I couldn't wait to feel 'warmed up.' We had gloves, ear warmers and multiple layers. I even remembered to wear my dorky reflective vest. I crack myself up when I have that on. I've become the runner that I used to laugh at.

Right around mile 1, we veered off the road to check out the beautiful, extremely well-lit, NCAA collegiate track. I can only assume that it's a quarter-mile (400 meters) around, since it's used for official track meets. Neither April-Anne or myself have any idea how to read the markings on the lanes, so we just did two laps before heading back out on to the roads/sidewalks. (We did try to pick up the pace a bit on the nice, spongy track...but we were so NOT feeling the surge after the hard effort of Sunday. I guess the race should count as our speed workout this week.)

The pace we set was perfect - not too fast, not too slow. I think that's one of the MANY reasons why I love having a partner-friend to run with...setting that perfect pace together. Pushing each other just a little but leaving enough room for talking and breathing.

And we had a lot of stories to catch up on, so the conversation was lively. As we passed the 2.5 mile mark, I was telling April-Anne about how Jason (hubby) has, on occasion, ridden up next to me in his patrol car (yes, he's a cop) and say funny things to me over the loud speaker. No sooner do I tell her this, when Jason drives up and we hear "Pick up the pace. My grandmother can run faster than you." Followed by "Nice form. For a ninety year old." I had a few retorts, and we all had a few laughs. Good times.

We cruised along, peeled off our top layers and totally got into the groove of running. We wrapped up with about 5.6 miles in 50 minutes - give or take some. I almost didn't want it to end!

"Why do I keep doing this to myself? I should stick to distance running instead of 5K racing."

This thought actually crossed my mind during this afternoon's Veteran's Memorial Greenway 5K. But don't be fooled by my oxygen-starved musings...I had the exact OPPOSITE thought during the marathon: "I should just stick to 5K's and half-marathons." I guess I engage in all sorts of self-berating while racing. The common denominator being: "What the hell have I gotten myself in to this time?"

It was a beautiful day for a race, with the exception of the wind. Temperature in the 60s (F), blue sky with some fluffy clouds. The race was on an asphalt multi-use trail which had been cleared of leaves and trash the day before by the local Lions Club (of which I am a member!). The course was set up as an out-and-back and was mostly flat, with a slight decline on the way out and slight incline on the way back. This was easily the flattest course I have EVER run. The other bonus about this course: I have run it a million times, since it's about a mile from my house. It was nice to run on some 'home turf' for a change.

The race was small, with all the usual suspects there, including April-Anne and my arch-nemesis Dena (although we did miss Michelle, as she was out logging some long miles and watching a parade). I arrived about 30 minutes prior to the start time, so I could register, warm-up, eat my pre-race gel and use the bathroom (twice, of course).

While I was hanging out pre-race, I bumped into Dena. She assured me that I would win today, since she is two months pregnant and not feeling all that energetic. She said she was hoping for 8:00 min/miles. I was pretty skeptical and figured I would just wait and see what happened. It also made the prospect of beating her seem less satisfying...almost bittersweet. I mean, she's pregnant for Pete's sake!

My mom was there to cheer on my stepfather - David - and me. Jason (hubby) showed up on his bike to offer support as well. This was David's first 5K so we were all very excited for him!
After a flurry of good-luck hugs and kisses, we were off to the start line to pack-up. The starting horn went off a little sooner than we expected, but since the trail isn't that wide, there wasn't really anywhere to go for the first tenth of a mile anyway as it was fairly crowded. I remember putting my hand out to stop myself from running right over a 12 year old boy. There was quite a bit of jostling going on. And I was keeping an eye out for the sign that April-Anne had put up on the trail for me (it was from the marathon; she brought it to the race to give it to me). Sadly, the sign had already blown over and I hoped that wasn't a 'sign' of things to come in the race!

By the quarter-mile mark, things were starting to spread out and I easily passed by Dena. I was shocked to say the least. I focused my sights on Jeremiah, knowing that he usually runs a 7:00 min/mile. And our favorite over-50 runner, Sharon, was just ahead of him. Two perfect rabbits for me to follow.

We hit the one mile mark in 6:51. I didn't want to send April-Anne into a tizzy, so I just said "sub 7" and left it at that. That was as much talking as I could muster anyways, as we were really pushing the pace. I had a 2-2 breathing thing going on for most of the race.

April-Anne and I stayed near each other until somewhere around the turnaround point, when she got a burst of energy and surged forward. It made me feel good to see her go, because I'm always afraid that she sticks to my pace when she could go faster (she just doesn't want to admit that to herself!).

From that point on, I focused entirely on sticking with Sharon. I had no desire, or energy, to pass her. Actually, my body was begging me to slow down. I engaged in the typical mental struggle I encounter on race-day: 'Why do I keep doing these races? That's it. No more races. I'm going to puke or pass out. Or both."

I think I hit the second mile mark around 14:11 (I forgot to do the splits on my watch). I played the "one more mile" game in my head and kept digging deep. We had the wind in our faces on the way out which kept us cool...but now the wind was at our backs and it felt warm out in the sun. I could feel my face burning up from the heat and exertion. I kept moving into the shady spots, no matter how sparse they seemed.

Somewhere around mile 3 (21:40 maybe?), I managed to pull up next to April-Anne. As I dug in for what little kick I had left, we jockeyed back and forth for the 'lead.' Since we're not in the same age group, I told her to "Go!" and she crossed the finish line ahead of me.

I *think* my time was 22:23. There wasn't a clock at the finish line, so that time is based on my watch.

I grabbed a cup of water, told my mom that I was thinking about vomiting (I didn't) and jogged nice and easy back onto the course to find David. I caught up to him around the 2.75 mark, and Jason was riding along side of him, encouraging him and distracting him with chit-chat. David looked great and was going about 6.0 mph according to Jason's bike computer. I think his first mile was under 10:00 min which was just awesome! I ran side by side with him until about .05 miles were left to the course and watched as he cruised to the finish line! I have no idea what his time was...but he didn't finish last, which was his biggest concern. Go David!

There was some confusion with the awards and final placement of the runners. Apparently, there was a computer glitch and things got a bit mixed up. It seems that April-Anne and I both place first for our age divisions. It's not like this is the Olympics so we won't lose our medals if the scoring wasn't calculated correctly. It will be interesting to see the final results when they're posted.

Until then, I'll bask in the glow of a race well run.

Two-thirds of the running chicks got together last night for a run around the University of Connecticut campus. Michelle and I are both alums, so we are very familiar with the layout and lighting on the various streets. It's the safest place for us to run after dark, since we live in the middle of nowhere, with few street lights and even fewer road-shoulders. The campus is like a blazing beacon in the middle of a pitch black puddle.

Aside from the great lighting, there are other benefits to running there as well: it's well-populated, with students, faculty and staff bustling about; there's parking after 5 p.m. and no worries about getting a ticket; and there's easy access to bathrooms since all the classroom buildings are still open when we are there (plus the library!). The one drawback is the concrete sidewalks. But if we only run this route once a week, we should be ok and there are a few spots where it's relatively safe to run in the road.

Michelle and I met in a parking lot, popped in to a building for a bathroom-break and then hit the road, er sidewalks (after a quick jaunt through the parking lot to search for April-Anne one last time...she was supposed to meet us there too).

It was windy. I mean really, really windy. Winnie-the-Pooh-blustery-day windy. Michelle was smart enough to wear ear-warmers. I, alas, was not. So with my ears freezing and tears streaming down my face from the wind, we pushed forward. And we really had to push! For most of the run, the wind was either coming straight at us, or hitting us from the side. It was just incredible. It did push us along from behind at one point, which was nice! According to the weather-people, we had 19 mph winds with gusts up to 29 mph. I can bet the gusts were MORE than that.

We were working so hard, I started to feel hungry and a little shaky right around mile 2. This development did NOT make me happy. At. All. I thought I had gotten all my "food issues" under control during marathon training, but apparently not! Admittedly, I did skip one of my snacks so that may have contributed to the loss of fuel so soon into the run (coupled with the extra effort of the wind-workout).

Towards the end of the run, as we were heading up the last hill, this HUUGGEE gust of wind hit us dead in the face and I could actually feel myself move backwards a little bit. I felt like I had one of those parachutes on, that people use for extra resistance while running! It was just amazing.

Neither one of us complained about finishing up at 3 miles (25:10) ...I had thought we might do more, but it was just insane out there. Plus, I was ready to eat my hand, I was so hungry! I was just grateful that neither one of us got trapped under a falling tree!

Now it's time to go rest up for tomorrow's 5K. Usually, I'm nervous the night before a race, but not this time. No pressure. No need to beat anyone. Just gonna go out and run the race...and then run back and help my step-father cross his first line!

It's all about the joy, baby.

Hope you all are having great running experiences this weekend!

Originally, I had written a post all about how much my run on Monday was 'full of suck.' Filled to the rim with suck.

And it was. That part is true.

But then, I thought, what is there to be gained from such negative rantings? I was out there, running in the crisp autumn air, my cheeks turning rosey and the leaves crunching underfoot - all the trappings of great running (but overshadowed by the suckiness).

Could I really rant and rave about how my stomach had an alien growing in it, trying to force it's way out through my belly button? Would that somehow take away the suckiness? No, not really. It was my own damn fault for fueling up with foods like raisin-bran bread and lentil soup.

Could I whine about my post-surgery vision being all imbalanced? No, not when there are people who are BLIND who run without complaint.

So I talked myself out of the pity-party and talked myself in off the ledge, realizing that not every run can be fast. Not every run can feel perfect. That with struggle comes strength.

And tonight that strength helped me run a decent 5 miles in 43:10 with Michelle.

I'm energized. I'm looking forward to the race this weekend. I cannot wait to see my step-father cross his first finish line. He's worried about being the last one to finish (we can all relate to that feeling!)...but I keep reminding him that the important thing is that he is running. He's out there. Because he can be.

And I cannot wait to be there, shouting encouraging words to him and clapping and hooting and hollering. It's gonna be great.

I found the joy...it was right where I left it.

The eye surgery recovery has been slow-going. Every day, my vision seems a little better, and I’m a little less queasy. I’m trying to stay positive about the whole situation, reminding myself how fortunate I am that I could even have this procedure in the first place. I’m so accustom to bouncing back quickly from illness and injury - this has been a truly humbling experience. [Aaron/air-run: I’ve been wearing some type of vision corrective apparatus since I was about 8 years old – so about 26 years. I’ll still have to wear glasses for computer work/reading but that would have happened to me anyways.]

But. I got to run. After five days of sitting on my buttocks, watching movies and sports, I was so ready to get out there. Just being outside in the fresh air and sunshine felt like a vacation.

It was an unseasonably warm day in New England yesterday, with temperatures reaching summer-like warmness. It was shocking to realize how quickly I had already acclimated to the cooler temps, as the heat really slowed me down. I was stripped down to my shorts and sports-top within the first mile, slugging along at my marathon training pace. I felt slow. And I was hating that feeling.

Again, I had to remind myself that I was lucky to be out running, and that I shouldn’t fret about how slow I was going or how hot it felt. Or how weird it was to run with my vision all mixed up (I feel like I’m cross-eyed all the time, as my eyes are fighting to focus with each other). I tried to ‘focus’ on JUST (Lara) being out there. I wanted it to be blissful and wonderful, and it wasn’t. I think my expectations were just too high.

Five miles, 48 minutes later, I pulled up to a stop at my house. I was missing that feeling of satisfaction that usually accompanies a good run. I felt disappointed. I started to worry about the upcoming 5K. How will I ever get my speed back up in a week? I haven’t run ‘fast’ in almost a month! What will my vision be like by then? What if I fall?

I’m so anxious about the 5K on Sunday that I even had a dream about it last night. You know, the one where you are running late and the race starts without you because you are still trying to get into your sneakers, but something is stuck on the inside of one shoe and you can’t get it out? Yeah. That one. Sigh. It’s not like this is a championship race that I’ve been training for over 2 years. It’s just a little, local 5K and I don’t even care if I beat my arch-nemesis. I just want to have fun! Plus, my stepfather is running in it to, and it’s his very first 5K! I think I’ll feel better after I log a few more miles.

In other interesting news, for the first time in my life, I wrote a "Letter to the Editor" of a magazine. And it actually got published! How cool is that!? So, for those of you that receive Running Times, my letter is in the most recent issue!

And my post about the last 6.2 miles seems to be getting more attention as it appears to be linked on some marathon training forum. I might have to start wearing dark glasses and a different color hat.

I’ll be searching for that running joy again today…wish me luck!