Author: Mark Allman

Another race day. Today is the Manchester MA half marathon. It’s a somewhat flat route (or at least nothing like the Mad Marathon).

Results: a personal record! My previous best was 1:53:46 or so. Today’s time was 1:52:53 (pace 8:37). I started with pushing the pace a bit. I usually start slow. I passed the five mile point at about 43:00 and the seven mile point at right about an hour. Shock! I decided to push and try for a fast time. Today it worked. I was pretty tired at the end but it was worth it.

First day back after a few days off. Tomorrow is another race, so today was an easier, not-too-long run.

Today’s run was a 7.1 mile mostly flat route. Pace was 9:32. Weight was 146.2.

First run after the Mad Marathon. Didn’t feel too bad.

Today’s run was a 5.1 mile recovery run on a hills route. Pace was 9:46.

Race day! Whew, The Mad Marathon in Vermont. it’s a route that’s either climbing or descending. The first nine+ miles include two climbs that are on the order of a mile long and have parts that are over a 20% grade.

I made it to just past mile 25 before the legs totally turned to rubber. Ugh! The last mile was uphill a bit. I had nothing left. I managed to get it done though. It was satisfying to finish at 4:27:36. That’s about 30 minutes faster than two years ago.

Today’s run was the last run before the Mad Marathon. I was torn between taking it really easy and putting in some work to put a stamp on all the prep work. I just forgot about it during the run and let the pace set itself.

Today’s run was a 10.6 mile rolling hills route. Pace was 9:49. Weight was 147.0.

Today’s run was a 7.1 mile mostly flat route. Pace was 9:25. Weight was 146.4.

Today’s “training” was a bike ride to pick up my car that’s been in the shop for over a week. Distance was about 6.2 miles (just like a 10k). A guess at pace was 35 minutes. Pace when riding through traffic really isn’t realistic. Weight was 147.4.

Today was the Walpole 10K race. It’s fundraiser for the High School XC team. Ran the race in about 53 minutes (8:33 pace). As usual, forgot about the weight. I also forgot about stopping my watch timer when I crossed the finish line., so the 53 minutes is an estimate.

Today’s a “long run Sunday.” Getting ready for the Mad Marathon in a few weeks.

Today’s run was a 17.3 rolling hills route. Pace was 9:44. As I do occasionally, I totally forget about measuring weight at the start of the day.

Today was a planned shorter day. Tomorrow is “long run Sunday” so focus today on some hills work.

Today’s run is a 3.77 mile hills route. The hill has a 10% to 12% grade. Pace was 9:07. Weight was 146.2.