Author: Mark Allman

Welcome back to Boston. Today it was back to dealing with snow, a bitter wind, and temperatures below zero. Not too bad, though. Just layer up and get going.

Today’s run was an easy 4.33 mile route with a hill or two. Pace was 10:11. Total climb was around 205 feet.

Race day. Cool and windy, especially for Houston. Temperature at race start was in the 30’s.

Today was a day to set a measured pace and not push on the hamstring. I had my doubts that it would hold up, and was shocked at how good it felt throughout the race. It helped that the route was mostly flat, with only a few dips and rises to go under freeways.

Today’s run was the Chevron Houston Marathon. Pace was about 11:09. Who cares. Total climb was maybe 350 feet, and probably not even that.

Last run before flying to Houston for the race this weekend. Weather is cooperating: temperatures in the teens and just breezy. A stiff, cold wind requires some sort of face covering. I hate those.

Today’s run was a 7.15 mile rolling hills route. Pace was 10:31. Total climb was around 350 feet.

Today’s run was a short 4.33 mile route. Pace was 10:25. Total climb was about 205 feet.

Nice early morning for a run. Typical winter temperature of about 18 degrees and just a easy breeze. A nippy breeze, though. It was helpful to have a near-full Moon to help see where the black ice and potholes were hiding.

Today’s run was a 13.43 mile rolling hills route, including a short 10+% grade hill at about mile 4.4. The hamstring didn’t complain much at all, although I took it easy on it when going uphill. Pace was an easy 10:53. Total climb was 690 feet.

A snow day. I bought trail shoes (Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX) in the same size as all my other Hoka’s but these were too small. Very strange. I returned them and ordered a larger pair but they aren’t here yet. It would’ve been a perfect day to try them out. My Arahi 7 shoes just slid all over the place.

Today’s run/slide/ski adventure was a 4.4 mile rolling hills route, including a short 10+% grade hill at the end that was nicely salted and clear. Hamstring felt OK going up, so long as I didn’t push too hard. Pace was a surprising 10:46. I know I ski faster than that. Total climb was around 210 feet.

A very cold early morning for a run. Temperature around 10 degrees and a stiff wind. Really freezes the face in places. On days like today I don’t want to get too far from home, just in case. Being miles away when you twist something and have to walk for an hour, in this weather, can be dangerous.

Today’s run was a 4.4 mile very mildly rolling route. Pace was 10:19. Total climb was about 175 feet.

Short run this morning before an appointment for some furnace work. Hopefully we can knock this out this morning.

Today’s run was a quick 2.18 mile route just to get some time on the road. Pace was 10:41. Total climb was 95 feet.

A cool, brisk early morning. Cloudy, temperature around 18, and a biting wind in places. No big deal for January. Just keep the roads clear of ice is all I hope for this time of year.

I have some trail shoes on order to try out in the snow. Can’t be any slipperier than regular road shoes, and they’re lined with Gore-Tex to handle the moisture. It’ll be an interesting test. You watch — no more snow this winter.

Today’s run was an easy 4.33 mile rolling hills route. No additional noticeable issues with the hamstring. Whew! Pace was 10:42. Total climb around 205 feet.

A very windy early morning for a run. A stiff wind over 25 mph with stronger gusts. It’s good work going uphill into it. Temperature wasn’t bad at all.

I did stumble a bit at about the eight mile point. Felt a yank on the hamstring, but hopefully nothing lasting. Caution is still the #1 priority. Might take a day or two to see how it recovers.

Today’s run was an easy 9.05 mile rolling hills route. Pace was 10:17. Total climb was around 465 feet.