Just is from a virtual 5 mile run around Oxford, MA. with Steve Runner and Steve’s friend Joe Steindel. Well, actually, I did run 5 miles, but it was in Syosset, NY at Bev Francis’ Powerhouse gym on the treadmill while listening to Phedippidation’s podcast, episode 80B (intervals), which originally aired one year ago on January 24, 2007. This was pretty cool – I had planned to do a long treadmill run and came upon this podcast featuring Steve and Joe running around Steve’s neighborhood in Oxford. Steve had taped the two of them chatting as they ran their 5 miler. It was as if the three of us had gone out for a run together, with me listening to the podcast while I ran on the treadmill in Syosset. This was something very unique and different and a pleasant aberration from the usual ways of entertaining myself while struggling through a boring treadmill session.

This morning I went to see a podiatrist (Dr. Michael Tumen) about my left outer ankle soreness. I had googled ankle pain found some pages about Posterior Tibial Tendonitis. As I read about PTT, it mentioned “degeneration,” which is scarey, so I thought maybe I should see a “Pro” and not fool around self diagnosing myself. Michael is a runner and pretty bright guy – his office is in Massapequa, NY. He examined me and took some x-rays and found nothing wrong. My left ankle is a little tighter than my right and would benefit from stretching before and after my runs. So later in the day, I went out for a short jog around the neighborhood, stretching a little before after after – no discomfort.

Last night, Risa and I went to the Westbury movie theatre to see “Spirit of the Marathon.” This is a film about 6 runners preparing for the 2005 Chicago Marathon. Two of the runners were first timers, two were seasoned marathoners and two were elites, including Deena Kastor. For runners, this is a most enjoyable film. Lots of great scenery and personal interest content and you feel the music. Even non runners (like my wife Risa) will like this movie.

Back in December, I participated in a Greater Long Island Runner’s Club Blood Drive, which I regularly do. Earlier this week I received a letter from the New York Blood Center with the results of my cholesterol check – 194! Below 200 is desirable and my last check was over 200, so I was very pleased with this improvement, particularly to this lower level. Another benefit from my running.

Another cold day in January on Long Island, therefore another day at the gym on the treadmill. Thank goodness for the Australian Open, my major distraction which allowed me to do 5 miles. Four to five miles on the treadmill is now my new standard. How sweet – incremental distance increases for incremental weight loss to contribute to better performance and speed.

I have made plans to go down to Florida over President’s Week. I arrive on Saturday night, Feb. 16th. This means I am unable to make the A1A Half Marathon Expo for the race on Feb. 17th. The race starts at 6:00 AM – so the good news is I don’t have to get up at 4:30 AM to make it to the start on time. I’m a little bummed, though – I was so up for an event while in Florida. Looking around for alternatives, the pickings in South Florida are pretty anemic! I will just have to train solo, as usual. I am really surprised at how little Florida running clubs have to offer in terms of races.

I have been spending a lot of time on the treadmill – its just too cold or dark out. Today I did 5 miles at the gym on the treadmill – a distance record (vis a vis recent memory); earlier this week I did the treadmill in my house at 5:00 am to be certain I got a run in – I usually prefer the gym; I am more motivated if I have somewhere I must go to; plus there is so much more visual distraction at the gym. I have grown to appreciate the treadmill; it certainly beats no running at all. In fact, the stress relief (from the job nonsense) is well worth the boredom. Actually, with the iPod and TV screens at the gym (today I was watching the Australian Open) and the people watching, I was able to lumber through my run with no difficulty – must hit 6 miles next time. Running buddy Brian is in the hospital with bi-lateral pneumonia – BUMMER!! I was able to stop in to visit him; the hospital scene is so depressing. Just one more reason to keep up the fitness program up and in high gear.

Just in from a 4.5 mile run through Syosset; 40 degrees with 5 to 8 mph winds; sunny; beautiful! I applied some Biofreeze on my left outer ankle to see what effect this would have since I had been experiencing regular discomfort during the first mile of previous runs. Happily, no discomfort and none from my knees, quads or hams. Not sure if the Biofreeze had any effect but am pleased with the outcome nonetheless.

I have been listening to a number of episodes (Number 130: The Benefits of Running; Number 129: The Hazards of Running and Number 128: Another Loop Around the Sun) from Phedippidations a.k.a. Steve Runner while driving up to Hartford, Saturday, and while out running, today. I can’t tell you how interesting, entertaining and inspiring these podcasts are. It seems that Steve just keeps getting better over time. In “Another Loop Around the Sun,” he mentioned the 1955 Hurricane (Hurricane Diane). I remembered during the hurricane, as a kid, how the electrical wires, outside our house, came down and burnt holes in the sidewalk and the water rose up in our backyard, almost to our house, and knocked out bridges along the Farmington River. Steve has a way of weaving stories with facts, humor, thoughtfulness and encouragement. I feel like I know him. We have so much in common in terms of running and other life interests (baseball, wine, technology…). Its great having a virtual, digital running buddy!

Yesterday, I received my finisher’s certificate from the Hartford Marathon. It looks nice and colorful and I felt very proud of that race. Years ago when “jogging” came on the scene, one would ask, Am I a runner or am I a jogger? Coming up with the right identity label was important in running as it is in so many other things. It has taken me awhile (many, many miles, races and marathons) to comfortably say “I am a Runner!” Even though I have 6 marathons in the books, it is not easy for me to say “I am a Marathoner,” but I am getting there; maybe, after my next marathon, it will easily flow off my lips – for now: I am a Runner!

Yesterday was a packed work-out day. I did not have a lot to do other than to get Andrew to the airport for his return trip to Indiana University. First thing in the AM I went out to do some errands and the chilly temperatures seemed very refreshing so when I got home, I dashed out for a 5K run around the neighborhood. 35 degrees and sunny – Nice but CHILLY!! Then off to Laguardia. Upon return from the airport I got over to the gym for 40 minutes of weights. I had fallen off the pace with the weights over the holidays and had been experiencing some soreness in the pubic area and was not sure why. I noticed that with the return to more core exercises the soreness was abating so I can only surmise that lack of weight training was causing me pain. Later in the day I returned to the gym for one hour of elliptical while watching the NFC wildcard game and listening to Steve Runner on my iPod. A triple session work-out day!! Today I feel fine and plan to get a run in later. The forecast is calling for warmer temperatures.

We runners are always noticing little pains here and here. Usually they are nothing to sideline our running – just annoying. A month or so ago I was noticing some soreness in my left hamstring, particularly when I kicked at the end of a run or race. I was concerned and tried to take it easy. It has since stopped bothering me. Now, my left outer ankle has some kind of intermittent tendonitis. It goes away after I am warmed up and also pops up through the day. Maybe this is due to some over-use or a change in my pronation, since my weight loss. Interestingly, it tends to be more acute in regular street shoes than in my running footwear.

Went to the gym yesterday for a double session: weights and then the treadmill, making for the 9th consecutive day of running. Not only is the body responding well, did 3 miles at a 9:38 pace - for the treadmill, that’s pretty good. Feeling fine today and plan to hit the treadmill later when I get home - maybe I'll do 4 miles.

Happy New Year !!!

New Year’s Eve, last night, was not too bad insofar as indulgence goes – did not derail my diet/fitness regimen. Got up this AM to a rainy dreary Long Island day and opted for the treadmill at the gym. So now I am at eight consecutive days of running, the last being on the treadmill; thinking about going outside for a run now, since the rain has stopped. Is that a little nuts? We’ll see. Michigan is playing Florida – should be a good bowl game.