Road to Chicago in Search of a PR

Post #1 | Intro ~ Road to Chicago in Search of a PR

I’m starting this blog to document my training as I prepare of the 2015 Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11th. God knows the world doesn’t need another ‘runner’s blog’ and I certainly don’t feel that I have a story to tell that is necessarily compelling enough for many people to enjoy, however, people have asked for me to write about my training, so that’s what I’m going to do with those people in mind.  I do have selfish reasons, of course, - it gives me an opportunity to write - keeping my brain active in that way, which I desperately need. I also get to create a personal, historic record of all the challenges that went into the training, which I should enjoy years later. I don’t plan on putting too much time into it, and thus, my writing will probably be atrocious with many grammatical errors and misspellings, even some nonsensical sentences, to be sure. Please forgive in advance and don’t think less of me. Judgment-free zone here.

This 2014-15 winter was pretty bad training for everyone, made worse for me with some lingering medial-side, left knee pain, so it was pretty much a wash.  I managed to run the New York City HM as training progression run and was pleased with the day along with my knee being no worse for wear.  Now I find myself ready to take on the challenge of ratcheting up the intensity and stabilizing my mileage in prep some shorter road races and a track 10k before hunkering down for a summer build-up of marathon mileage.  Should be fun. I feel completely energized and ready for it. Game on. 

Treadmill Workout Today ~ Fartlek!

2 mile warm up | 10x 2min @ 4:50/mile on 2min jog 10min/mile 1%-3% incline | 10min cool down

Spring Running/Racing Is Now

This past weekend marked the last of indoor track - College & HS nationals, and the beginning of the Spring road racing with the NYC Half, LA Marathon, the Gate River Run, and the Encinitas Mile, just to name a few, big-time races.  

I was thrilled to be healthy enough to do the NYC Half as a training run.  A lingering left knee issue prohibited me from being able to do the training I would have liked, but I was happy to run the cool NYCHM course and have a productive training day.  

Looking ahead, I'm signed up for some short local road races and I'll try to get in a track 10k and maybe 5k, 1500, 800 for fun. Come October, I'm signed up for the Chicago Marathon, but don't want to be thinking of that just yet.  For right now, all I can think of is the sun, warm weather, and fast times on the track and road.

Winter Is Over

Omg, thank you.   Here are a few  pics from the winter that was of Ali and I getting in some snow running.  

Millrose snaps & vids

The best night of indoor track in NYC happens this Saturday, Valentine's Day

The Millrose Games are from 2pm - 8pm on Saturday at the Armory. Tickets are still available and you can also watch live on the NBC sports network or USATF.TV

The End Of Indoors is Fast Approaching

3-4 weeks and it's over.  Amazing how fast this season always flies by.   

100m repetitions

Great for developing top-end speed; more efficient, smoother form; and a killer kick.  

Treadmill Runs

Comes in handy when conditions are bad or you're just a bit under the weather and aren't up for a zero degree run outside. Can be a great supplement for specific workouts as well i.e. hill workouts.  

Skiing, Running, Sledding

Central Park looks lovely in white and there's no stopping us from getting out there and having fun.  

Daylight Savings is Mar. 8th

Mark the calendars. For me, that's when winter officially ends and I'm ready for it. In the meantime, we'll have to make do with the cold and snow.  

Wishing Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to our neighbors in Carnegie Hill!

CPC 2014 Armory Open & Youth Indoor Track Schedule

Dec.
-    Sat. 27th 5pm Armory Open Sprint Night - 400m/200m/60m/Throws/Jumps | Pre-registration $20
-    Sat. 27th 9am -5pm Armory Youth Holiday Classic - All events | Pre-registration $15

Jan. 
-    Thurs. 15th 7pm NYRR Thursday NATR #1 – 1 mile | Pre-registration $20
-    Thurs. 29th 7pm NYRR Thursday NATR #2 – 600m, 3000m, 1000m | Pre-registration $20

Feb. 
-    Mon. 16th 9am Armory Youth Championships – All events | Pre-registration $15
-    Thurs. 19th 7pm NYRR Thursday NATR #3 – 800m, 5000m | Pre-registration $20

Mar. 
-    Thurs. 5th 7pm NYRR Thursday NATR #4 – 1 mile | Pre-registration $20
-    Sun. 8th 9am USATF-NY Open & Masters Champs – All events | Pre-registration $20
-    Tues. 17th 7pm Front Runners Invite – All events, Ages 14 and up | Pre-registration $20
-    Sun. 22nd 9am Armory Youth Last Chance – All events | Pre-registration $15

New Testimonial From Greg

 "I've been training for over 6months with Sean. I've gotten considerably faster, and truly enjoy Sean's intense workouts.  He is pushing me more than I ever would have on my own because I wanted to get faster and in better shape. Sean is a great guy who knows what he is doing, and would gladly recommend him to anyone looking for any level of running training."

New Testimonial From Steve

Getting a public endorsement from one of my runners is the greatest honor I can receive as a coach. Every training session I spend with a runner feels like true privilege - being apart of their running endeavor is always such a meaningful and personal experience. I'm humbled and grateful to be entrusted to share in it with them. Thank you, Steve.

 

"I've been training with Sean since July 2013. I knew Sean from a time I was coached by him at Urban Athletics back in '08 and had good memories of then so wanted to see what one-on-one coaching might be like.

During that brutal winter last year, Sean and I trained outdoors every single week. Usually 2x a week. Seriously, we didn't miss a week. That's the kind of coach I want. Rain, sleet, snow, freezing temps -- he showed up for me and helped make me a better overall athlete. 

I mostly depend on Sean for my speedwork. He keeps me accountable, on track, and informed of the progress I'm making through his solid feedback. This has made a big difference in my running speed and strength. 

He's very knowledgable, direct, and to-the-point which is my preference for a coach. I'm not much for chit-chatty coaches and he's not that. I want Sean as a coach, not a friend. Tells it to me like it is. Acknowledges breakthrough workouts. But also tells me when my performance and output stinks.

Highly recommended."

The marathon and xc season's are over

Indoor track is up next along with the Winter road racing season. To see some of my favorite snaps from the Fall, click on the image.

CUNYs on Sunday

This weekend was a day a beach; next is a war.  

City Council Member to Present Proposal to Ban Cars from CP

Join me on Thursday, Nov. 6th, to support City Council member and Parks & Recreation Chairmen - Mark Levine, as he presents his proposal to ban cars from Central Park to Community Board 8 residents. 

Ice & Compression

110% PlayHarder is a recovery gear company that sells compression wear with space for ice packs.  Personally, I find it to be very effective for recovering after hard efforts.  Great product.  

Carnegie Hills Neighbors Association

Every year we support the Carnegie Hill Neighbors Association as a merchant member. The association preserves, protects, and improves this very special neighborhood on the Upper East Side. Every Fall and Spring, we like to advertise in their semi-annual newsletter. Our way of saying thank you and getting the word out about our running service. Here's the latest ad.