Another beautiful spring day, but today is much warmer! Went out for a run this morning, strong, inspired by thoughts of Marshall and his amazing ultra accomplishments. But quickly the temps rose about 5 degrees in 20 or 30 minutes (high 70s). Managed to finish up doing 4 1/2 miles with a few walk breaks. Saw many other runners and bikers out ~ what a great day to be outside.

Am getting closer to pulling the trigger and register for the 2009 NYC marathon. I have until April 30th to register. This time it is going to be a huge challenge, but I feel compelled to do it.

Central Park with Marshall, Todd and Jose
Yesterday's run was something very special. I hooked up with my new friends Todd Jennings, Jose Vargas and Marshall Ulrich for a run in Central Park. I had met these guys last year on election eve when Marshall was completing the last leg of his epic cross country run, where we ran with him for about 5 miles down the west side as he approached the finishing point at city hall. Yesterday was an extraordinary day, weatherwise; an awesome spring day and the magic of Central Park could not have been more evident. Literally, if I could show a picture of runner's heaven, it would have been yesterday in Central Park.

We did about a 4 1/2 mile loop (90th Street and the West side; south and around and back) in the park on the bridle path, which was easy on the legs. There were people (runners, walkers, bikers, skaters ..) everywhere. It was sunny and warm and tree blossoms exploding all over the place. Before I knew the run was over. We headed over to a Starbucks on 88th and Broadway for some coffee and conversation.

We hung out with Todd's kids and Marshall's wife, Heather for about an hour and chatted about all kinds of stuff. Marshall was in town as part of his recent drive cross country to chronicle many details of the run for his book and documentary film. We were asking running and training questions, sharing experiencing and generally doing what runners do after a group run when time permits. It wasn't long before this activity was over and I was on my way home.

Today when I woke up I was feeling aching and sore. As I was walking around the house loosening up, my thoughts drifted to some of the things we talked about yesterday, like the mental aspects of running and how everyday Marshall would get out and run 50-60 miles coming across country. Its hard not to feel inspired and feel a surge of positive energy fill your body, soul and being and lift you up to move on, empowered! ....... I'm heading out and get a run in now ~ See ya Later!

Managed to complete my 9.15 mile run today ~ what a struggle. But I finished. And later in the day, I registered for the Long Island Half Marathon on May 3, 2009. Now, hopefully the weather god will be smiling then ... We shall see.

Tomorrow is the big test. On tap - a nine mile confidence run for the LI half marathon in 2 weeks. The weather is looking to be perfect: cool early, sunny and dry. Knock this out and then register for the half and the NYC marathon.

Saw Dr. Mitchell Greenbaum, podiatrist, for my plantar fasciitis. He recommended stretching my achilles, arch supports and dropping a couple of pounds. On the scale this morning I was only 4 pounds above what I thought. I'm not too far off base. Stay tuned!

Not sure what I hate more: rain, wind or cold. Certainly any combination is the worst. Yesterday was the ASPIRE 10K in Plainview and it was WINDY! But it was not too bad; temps were in the low 50s and I was wearing a windbreaker so that really mitigated the effects of the wind. This is a special race and the entire net proceeds of the event are given to the ASPIRE Program for the rehabilitation of young amputees, and ASPIRE's Stanley Kramberg Memorial Scholarship Fund. Many amputees participate in the race and their presence makes for a very inspiring and moving event. This race is Long Island's oldest continuously held 10K race; this was the 32nd year.

I had a good race. Got into a nice rhythm and felt pretty strong throughout the entire course, which is mostly flat but has a couple of nice hills. I finished with a kick at 58:38 (pace of 9:27), my best time for this course and only 38 seconds slower than my last 10K from Cow Harbor last September. I even managed to achieve reverse splits: 1st 5K pace: 9:32 and 2nd 5K pace: 9:21. Considering the winter layoff and few added pounds ... I was very pleased with yesterday's result, especially how my body felt afterwards and today. My marathon plans are taking shape. Next up: a nine miler in 2 weeks and then the LI Half Marathon May 3rd.