Santa Drives a Bentley

 I set out in the dark Christmas morning to get a run in before all the festivities began. Everyone was still tucked snugly in there beds, the kids snoring away unaware Santa had come and gone in the night. Stockings recently stuffed hung precariously from the mantel, gifts under the tree seemed to have multiplied, I was surprised the kids weren't up, I am pretty sure I would have been at there age.

 It was easier getting out of the house with everyone asleep, I quietly snuck out into the cold. I glanced up at the thermometer as I left the porch it read 13 degrees, my nose hair froze. The smell of wood smoke hung thick in the air, it reminded me of winter and being in Vermont skiing; it was comforting. My foot steps on the pavement and the periodic sound of furnaces venting along my route was the only sound. I hadn't seen a single car or distant head light and didn't expect to. It was a perfectly peaceful Christmas morning run.

 The cold had gotten me moving and had helped me keep a quick pace throughout my run. I had gone farther than I intended and the first rays of light were just peaking over the horizon, I doubt anyone was up yet. I decided to do a loop through the cemetery before heading home. I enjoyed running in the cemetery, I found it peaceful.

 There were no cars in either direction as I ran through the cemetery gate and turned onto Main Street towards home. I wondered if I would make it home with out seeing a single moving vehicle? Just then I heard what sounded like a bicycle coming up behind me, it was following me.
"What the heck, just pass me already!" Annoyed now that I was being stalked I stopped and turned to confront whoever it was following me.

 Surprisingly; It was Santa Claus and he was driving a Bentley. Not just a Bentley however, it was at least 20 feet long, the brightest chrome and the red'ist red you have ever seen. He was smiling with the jolly smile described in books and on Christmas specials. He rolled down the window as he brought the Bentley to a stop right next to me.

 Somehow I was able to get out a witty "Your running a little late aren't you Santa?"
He laughed and responded while keeping his jolly smile; that he had had sleigh trouble due to the weather (no snow) and asked, "Could you point me towards Sugar Loaf?" "I always have trouble navigating from the ground."
 I gave Santa the directions he requested, he thanked me with the most cheerful "Merry Christmas!" I had ever heard. As he pulled away I notice the license plate, it read (North Pole ~ Sleigh 2) then he was gone.

 A stiff wind blew right through me, I was standing on the edge of Maine Street. Had I just seen the Santa Claus?  I shook my head out of its fog and ran home. No one will believe me.
 

5k on Turkey day

 While I was training for the Marine Corps Marathon my 8 year old daughter often asked to run or ride her bike with me while I ran. I could only reply, that after the marathon we would choose a race to run together. Painfully, my denial of her request stung more than once, she often sat in the dark at the top of the stairs as I prepared for pre dawn runs and say....

"Good morning, Daddy can I come with you?"
I would cringe with guilt at the request "No" I would say "I am training, you and I will run together after the marathon."
"ooook" she would say in a quiet dejected voice that daughters use to get right under dad's skin. Immediately making you wonder how good of a Dad you are. Getting going was always a challenge after this quiet conversation with the silhouette at the top of the stairs, I was always gratefully I could not see the expression on her face

 No sooner had I crossed the finish line on marathon day she asked "when are we going to start running?" We chose a Turkey Day 5k ,we had a few weekends to get some training runs in together so she and I developed a little training log and started a count down. 

 I will always remember our first run together. Before bed she set out her clothes and shoes for an early morning departure. When I woke her the next morning she sprung out of bed, dressed and was down stairs in an instant getting her shoes on. As I descended the stairs I heard her say to herself "this is so cool" I beamed!  We started with walking a mile, she quickly had enough of that and was eager to run. We lengthened our distance with a little running mixed with walking. Soon we were running more than walking  and finally race day.

 She was nervous she did not want me to leave her and was relieved when I told her we would do the entire race together running or walking we would finish. Start gun went off and she started talking and never stopped.....
"look at that guys hat"
"that guy has the same shoes as you"
"how long are we going to be doing this"
"look Pilgrims!" we were in Amish country, I laughed

 Our walking stints were short but few. In the final lap she told me she was tired and I mentioned that when I get tired I choose someone in front of me and try to catch them. If I catch them I choose someone else and try to catch them until I've finished. She started reeling people in and crossed the finish line in 37minutes with me right on her tail. It was my best race ever!

MCM October 31st

  Fortunately my sister lives in Alexandria, Virginia and is a veteran MCM runner supporter, both her and her husband have provided pre-race carb dinners for racers 10 years running. This year was no exception with a fantastic dinner and much conversation on race tactics as well as viewing plans, where to be, what to avoid and what train to get on. It was a merry bunch and allowed pre-race jitters to melt away.
 I followed the pre long run routine I had adopted during training. I set all my clothes out the night before and went to bed early. I actually slept which was a pleasant surprise; I was worried about that. My alarm sounded at 0500 I dressed and headed into the kitchen for my vitamins, a bowl of oat meal and a banana. I had been diligent about hydrating and must have gone to the bathroom 1,000 times over the previous 24hrs. At 0615, I left the house it was 40 degrees. Cool with a light breeze, some would think it was cold, great running weather I thought.
 As I approached the Metro Station hundreds of runners bibs attached appeared out of the darkness like zombies in a horror film being drawn toward the start from all points. The loading platform was a buzz of quiet excitement and uncertainty some runners clearly dazed by the early hour others complaining of the chill. Pulling into the station, racers and supporters were everywhere like ants filing towards a potato chip at a picnic. From the depths of the metro tunnel at the Pentagon, we slowly pushed forward not really sure what to expect or where to go when we emerged back into the cool morning air. Droves of racers fell into line all unsure but some how knowing where to go.
Everything was seamless as we moved toward the start corral. I lined up under a large banner that read: anticipated finish time 5:00 to 5:30.  Miles and miles of port~o~Jon's lined this area.  Racers in different stages of urinary distress danced, hopped or simply ran into the trees for one of many pre-race releases. An MC kept us all aware of the now eminent start, race marshals spoke, music blared ,the quite buzz now a consistent hum as we all awaited start time.
 A cannon fired signaling the start of the 35th Marine Corps Marathon and those of us under the 5:00 hr finish time banner just stood there. It took 20 minutes just to cross the start line after the cannon sounded @ 0800. I could not have gone out fast if I wanted to. I had trained for 16 weeks it was time to forget everything else and just run the race.
 I honestly can not remember what I was thinking during the race. I wondered when and where I would see my family and hoped it was not to much of a hassle for them to get around. I wondered how fast I would run the first half of the race and I marvelled at all the folks running in honer of a fallen marine, or lost family members. It was Halloween but how could you run in a costume. At the half way point I realized the winners had already crossed the finished line. At Mile 24 I said to my self "You are almost there!" and at the finished I gave my self a double thumbs up and am proud to have a Marine place a finishers medal over my head. I had made it! It was a relief to see my family, hugs never felt so good!
 I finished my first marathon in 5:16 minutes (officially) what an experience 35,000 people running together in the streets of DC, through Rosalyn, over Key Bridge, through Georgetown, past the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, the Capitol Building, the Smithsonian, over the Potomac again, into Crystal City past the Pentagon finishing at the Marine Corps Memorial.
That night after trick or treating with the kids I pondered my next running adventure:
                                                     "What would it be?"

Projected finish time???

 It has been some time between posts hasn't it?  I have found my thoughts far to erratic to write recently. What I have written in previous posts has been mulled over and over while training, either on the bike or my feet. When at the key board last week I felt I was trying to force even will something onto the screen. I just could not string anything together worth your time or mine for that matter.

 I have not stopped training: ran 23 miles, spent 1.5 hrs with trainer, biked 15 miles. A reduction of millage made me a little nervous but I was getting rest, feeling race ready and confident. However, last weekend all three of my girls were sick; achy, stuffy nose, cough, the works. I did everything I could to avoid being in the house but unfortunately Sunday evening I felt the chill creeping in. I could not get sick now! Out came every cold avoiding tactic known to man, wives tale and beyond. I woke on Monday feeling just under the weather and battled for a couple days to keep the nasty thing at bay. My training felt less than productive but I was not out.

 My mind has also been a wash with race travel planning and packing. These plans are layed and we are ready to head south to DC for my first marathon. What really threw me was every one's sudden interest in how well I would do. As race day count down entered single digits more and more people inquired about my finish expectation. I have considered my finish time all along and had settled on finishing. This is not acceptable as I discovered Friday.
One conversation sounded like this:
 Harold - "Less than 10 days Michael, what finish time are you shooting for?"
 Me - "This is my first marathon I would be happy just finishing"
 Harold - "Just finish? you have got to do better than that...4 hrs that is a 9 minute or so pace, you can  do that"
 Me - "Probably not 4"
 Harold - "4:30, 5:00, you can't just say finish 4:40, 4:45, what?"
 Me - "Well how about under 5hrs"
 Harold - "That is a start but you are cutting yourself short you have put a lot of effort into your  training you can do better than under 5 hrs"

 Harold was not the only one, Bruce, Kevin, Rob, Skip, Sara, Nicole and others all had an opinion about my vague finish time goal. I was unaware that so many knew I was running a marathon let alone being inside the double digit count down or interested in my projected finish time. I had not set a time because I did not want the added pressure. I did not want to have to worry that if my pace was less than what was required to reach a goal time I would have to adjust. I did not run a 2 hr 1/2 marathon how could I run a 4 hr marathon so just finishing worked for me.

 Now I was wondering should I choose a time.......? Could I run a 4:30 marathon @10:30 pace? See why I haven't written.

Taper vs. Motivation

 I have entered the tail end of my marathon training known as the taper. All plans call for it, you'll hear about it and see references to it in magazines, all big name runners taper before a big race. The idea of the taper is to reduce your weekly mileage two weeks prior to race day so your body can recover and rest from weeks of focused training. The taper is designed to prepare you for the big day. However, the taper has left me a bit lost, as if something is missing from my week: 12+ miles to be exact. My training has been challenging; long miles, speed work outs, weight training and cross training. A great deal has gone into getting marathon ready but this tapering has thrown me a curve ball.

 It seemed to affect this weekends motivation. Friday night I arrived home from work, it was raining, we had dinner and I was able to get into bed early. I slept soundly but when I woke at 0530 rain still pounding on the roof I just turned over and went back to sleep, I had not done that in months. When I finally pulled myself out of bed it was 0630 and still raining I just did not want to get up, I did not want to get wet, I was tired. I dressed to run but snuck back into the bedroom planning to climb back under the covers only to find my wife had taken over my side of the bed as if to say "get moving!"

 This morning as if I had never gotten up early in my life I slept until 0700 and although I was surprised when I looked at the clock I wanted to stay in bed. What is happening? Now I know I will never be a great runner, probably never win my age group let alone a race but for the last couple months I have gotten out of bed more often than not before my alarm sounded and was running before the sun touched the horizon. I have reached my goal weight and know I will finish on October 31st but, this weekend was a bit discouraging. Next week will be a test, I certainly do not want to tarnish my effort over the last few months just to fill a void of a couple miles. Maybe this tapering is a good thing? Nothing wrong with sleeping in now and then is there?

Countless Combinations

 Unlike my previous early morning run I checked the forecast before bed. It read: clear, some low lying clouds, cooling over night, temperatures in the low 40's, possible frost in some areas. This translated into: it wont be warm when I get up at 0430, there will be fog and most likely frost in my stomping ground. My last pre dawn run was less than comfortable and despite my efforts to keep moving I was more focused on the numbness in my fingers and getting warm than the task at hand. It was a challenging start to a 20 mile run.

 I would be better prepared tomorrow. I searched high and low for every running related item I owned: gloves, hats, head band, arm warmers, tights, compression shorts for under tights, shorts, long and short sleeve shirts, shirts with zippers, lite shirts, lite jackets and pants, thick socks. A large pile began to develop in the middle of the bed, my wife was thrilled until she learned I was not getting rid of any of it just trying to round it all up.

 After finding everything, which I am embarrassed to say took 20 minutes or more, I had to sort. The main pile was divide into sub piles based on combinations of clothes that would work best in specific temperatures.
* Pile 1- hot weather: shorts, lite socks, singlets and sleeveless shirts
* Pile 2 - warm weather: shorts, tee-shirts
* Pile 3 - cooler weather: shorts, arm warmers, vest, zip-tees, head band, light gloves
* Pile 4 - cold weather: tights, pants, jacket, vest, long sleeve shirts, warm socks, mittens, gators, face  warmer and anything else to keep one warm below 30F.
 After distribution was complete and order made of the pile on the bed, I put together a combination of piles 2, 3 & 4 that I thought would work with tomorrows forecast.

 When I opened the door at 0500 it was like walking into a freezer after warming up in the kitchen. The thermometer read 37F and frost glistened in the light of my head lamp. Low lying fog sat heavy in spots and steam rose from the creek, it was quiet and dark. The sky was exceptionally clear Orion shown bright  as I followed it South away from the warmth of the house. I must admit, I do prefer the cold, I just want to be dressed for it.

Owl's do say who, who.....

 I set my running clothes out before bed, water bottles filled, gels packed, heart rate monitor and shoes ready. Twenty miles planned, my last long run before race day (21 days away). I wanted to be out the door at 0430. I was feeling some pre run excitement and anticipated having trouble sleeping. The kids in bed at 1930 I read, lights out at 2030, I was tired.

 Without fail I woke every hour on the hour as if I had to check to see if my clock was still working. I am not sure if there is anything more aggravating than wanting to sleep and being unable to. When 0330 rolled around I felt like I had been laying in bed awake for hours. I had to get up and run but I just could not pry myself out of bed. I felt as though I was glued to the mattress. I drifted back to sleep but something in the back of my mind shook me I had to get up I battled with myself for awhile, finally rolling out of bed an hour later than planned.

 I dressed quickly, ate a bowl of oat meal, enjoyed some hot team and warmed up my hip flexors. Ready, I opened the door and walked into a wall of cold air, it was freezing the thermometer read 35F. A quick change of clothes was required. Redressing was going to be a hassle, I had to root around quietly and quickly for some warmer clothes. I should have stayed in bed.

 Not finding exactly what I needed  I hit the road it was 0530. In less than 1/2 a mile I realized I was undressed for this mornings run. My glove less hands were almost numb. Just holding a water bottle was a challenge. My ears were covered the hat I found, my knees cold. Running in this temperature has never deterred me but when you are not dressed properly it sucks.

 I pressed forward annoyed about the cold, discouraged that I had not been better prepared for the drop in temperature. I tucked my hands into the sleeves of my shirt rubbing my fingers vigorously trying desperately to warm them, my water bottle tucked up under my arm. The majority of my marathon training has been enjoyable 1 mile into a 20 miler I was miserable!

 A sound off in the distance snapped me out of my pity party. What was that? I kept moving alert now would I hear it again. Again....what is that, was it an owl? I continued forward hoping I would hear it again.

There it is a faint who-who....who it is an owl.
I don't remember if I have actually heard an owl....who.
Again.. who-who...who I was getting closer to the source.
Im guessing the bird had flown off when all of a sudden!
WHO-WHO.....WHO-WHO

 I nearly jumped out of my skin the proximity of the sound stopped me in my tracks I looked up. The owl's eyes glowed in the beam of my head lamp, it was perched on a limb right over the middle of street. I smiled and laughed wondering if he had been watching my light bob as I made my way towards him out of the darkness?

 I said good morning and we looked at each other for a bit. I was still quite cold but found some warmth that would hold me over until the sun came up.....I can't wait!

Putting it all together

 I never considered myself a runner until recently. I would go for a run now and again but never committed to it, raced, trained or had running related goals. When my Dad passed I ran not to get away but to have time to myself, I had lots of stuff going on in my head. I often saw things while I was running that I would have shared with Dad; birds, trees, clouds, I had thoughts about life that I would have talked over with him, Running had become comforting.

 It was not long after his death that I lost my job and found my self with more time on my hands than I had in the past. I was fortunate I never was depressed about loosing my job not to say it was not challenging and at times I did feel sorry for myself but I began to consider my situation an opportunity. Never did I have an idle day, I wrote and re-wrote my resume, sent out resumes, made phone calls, sent emails, searched for work, networked, did a considerable amount of work on the house and ran.

 This is not to say I was off and running. Unfortunately, over the years I had develop a lot to carry (close to 235lbs. of it) and my running was little more than a daily walk and trudge of just about a mile. I was not to be discouraged and eventually could plod through a 3 mile loop at a 13:30 pace on a good day. I was making progress feeling better about my ability, slowly loosing weight and able to admit I was in the worst shape ever. I had to keep running.

 My priorities: family, work (at the time finding work and house work) and me. I had to get into better shape for me and my family so I could actually work. My goal: get below 200lbs by 40 less than a year away. I organized my time to optimize my running so not to affect family and work. I began reading running magazines and web sites and mulling over training plans in an effort make my running time as efficient as possible. I drove around in the Camery mapping out and linking potential loops to run 3,5,7,9 and11 miles. At the time I did not even know I would ever run 7 miles let alone train for a marathon but I mapped out the routes any way. I also considered races that I could run to set up as mile stones along my way to 199lbs.

 In August of that year 5 months out of work I was finally employed,  I had gotten a job in the fitness industry. Not only was I employed I was now surrounded by like minded people all committed to being healthy and fit for a better future: how lucky! In September I ran a 5K, in November I ran a Thanksgiving Day 5K, over the winter I trained for an April 1/2 marathon. Running through the winter was less than ideal but my trudge and plod turned into a run and I was making progress. I felt pretty good about my efforts, I had been running all winter after all.

 I finished my first 1/2 marathon but not with out fighting through it and acquiring an injury. It took me weeks to recover. I visited the doctor, researched running related injuries, returned to studying training plans and asked a lot of questions of other runners and the personal trainers at work. I was still committed to my original goal of getting below 200lbs in fact I had run off over 15lbs but something was missing. It was mid May and I had yet to resume running I was starting to get nervous, I had registered for the 2010 Marine Corps Marathon.

 I developed a plan that alternated running, rest, cross training, weight training and improved diet. I focused on fitting all of this in to avoid effecting family and work. The plan had to be good enough to develop the mileage required for marathon training and recovery yet flexible enough if life altered any aspect of the schedule. The biggest challenge was being focused enough to execute the plan. I spent a great deal of time discussing this with Mark Deeken one of the trainers at work and he became extremely interested in helping me reach my goals.

 The plan was set up with 4 days of running Sunday being the day for my long run. Two rest days or days for cross training, mainly biking (15-30miles) and a focused core, strength and endurance work out with Mark. My first work outs with Mark humbled me again, with all the running I had been doing I was still out of shape. I stuck with it and fought through work outs I was sure would have me die on the gym floor. Getting below 200lbs had been a lot tougher than I expected and I still had a way to go, it was June and I hadn't really put the running portion of my plan in place for the marathon, was I going to make it?

 I executed the plan through July, August, September. Ran through the sweltering summer heat, in the rain, the dark. Rested after those long runs, road my bike on other days. I was finally able to make it through an entire work out with Mark with out feeling like I was going to pass out or vomit. My wife noticed that my once quite visible mid section had diminished, my pants falling off and on the Friday before running a 1/2 marathon tune up race I weighed in @ 198.3 lbs. I had done it and still had 3 weeks before my first Marathon.

 Unfortunately with all the training and 3 weeks remaining I still was not 100% sure I could finish a 26.2 mile run. In that 1/2 marathon tune up race, less than 200lbs I felt fit, lite, strong and even prepared. The weather was perfect cool, clear, about 400 racers at the line and I finished 6 minutes faster than the agonizing April 1/2 marathon that had side lined me for weeks.... I am ready for 26.2!

In the woods along the Hutch

 It was 40F at 0530 this morning when I pulled out of the drive way towards to New Rochelle, New York. I was headed to New Rochelle for the Paine to Pain 1/2 Marathon trail run of all things. I knew nothing of the area or the course but it intrigued me to see how the organizer would get a 1/2 marathon trail run linked together in such an urban area. I also hoped to PR and if I could do that on a hilly, rocky, off road, 1/2 marathon course then I had been training well for the Marine Corps Marathon October 31st.
 The race started at the historic Thomas Paine Cottage, a national landmark that sits on the 140 acre farm (now neighborhood), given to him by the State of New York for his activism in the Revolution. Yes the Thomas Paine of "Common Sense" fame. I learned he actually spent little time in New Rochelle because he preferred the hustle and bussel of city life, he may think differently today.
 The race starts with a 1/2 mile up hill which was once Paine's farm land and soon leaves the pavement onto a wet, rocky, uphill single track thinning the pack quickly. From here the race skirts neighborhoods of Mamaroneck, Scarsdale and other Westchester County towns, parks along the Hutchinson River Parkway finishing on the track of New Rochelle High School.
 Other than a dozen or so road crossings the course is every bit an off road trail: with rocky climbs, slippery descents, stream crossings, tight single track and wide open double track where you can fly.
Running in the woods was a pleasant change from all the road running I've been doing. It was liberating, as though I was in the middle of no where. I truly enjoyed myself and at 6 minutes faster than my first 1/2 marathon, satisfied. This is one race I will put on the calendar to do again next year!

5 in the rain

 I woke to the sound of what seemed to be gail force wind hammering rain sideways into the house at 0500. My alarm had not gone off, I did not want to run. I adjusted my clock and went back to sleep hoping the torrent of wind and rain would die down before my next wake up call.
 There was no change in the weather when my alarm sounded a hour later, I could not believe I had gone back to sleep. Unfortunately, it was raining even harder. I had to run, I would have to run on race day so I had to get up and run today. I was not looking forward to being wet and cold but I had to run.
 It was surprisingly warm 63F, I had that going for me. I warmed up on the porch avoiding the inevitable I did not want to step out through the vail of water cascading off of the roof. It was enough to feel what water the wind was blowing onto the porch UGH!
 This could no longer be avoided. I told myself "the sooner I get going the sooner I can get into a hot shower". The storm had not subsided while I procrastinated. In fact it continued to build as if daring me to run. I left the porch and was instantly soaked to the bone. I set my watch put my head down and ran. Suddenly it dawned on me I was zig zagging down the street making every effort to avoid puddles, my socks already sloshing in my shoes. I laughed at myself, I am sure I looked like Gene Kelley, Singing in the Rain. My next step sent water over the top of my shoe but I was now running with more purpose. Straight through the puddles and into the wind. I could feel my hands and feet pruning with every step, I was glad that I had stepped off the porch.

A Quick Run?

 I have heard people say "I am going on a quick run." I never really payed much attention to what that meant. I certainly had not experienced a "quick run" myself. When I started running 2 years ago the idea of a quick run seemed impossible. I would go out every other day or so and walk a little, run a little, walk, walk, walk then run a little more only to discover it took me longer than the day before to cover the same 3 miles, a distance I thought for sure was a good place to start.
 Progress was slow, my first goal was to run the entire 3 miles which I eventually did but far from quickly. Then I set my sights even higher, a 5k race. If anything could get me to cover this distance faster than I ever had it was a race. I did run faster than I ever had: 43 minutes-no quick run either.
 So when can a runner honestly say "I am going on a quick run"? For me it was today, two years later, a half dozen 5k and 10k races, a 1/2 marathon and 12 weeks into training for my first marathon under my belt. I didn't say to anyone when I was leaving the house that I was going on a quick run. It just kinda happened it was an experience.
  I felt strong when I headed out, running a little faster than normal in the first mile, my pace was better than normal into the 4th mile and I felt strong at the finish. It was not until I finished that I said to myself "that was a quick run", what a great feeling. I realize now that a "quick run" is not about time or distance. It is about a feeling a feeling you get when your firing on all cylinders and you finish feeling like you just crossed the finish line in first place.
 I guess people say "I am going on a quick run" in anticipation of the run they are about to do will be as good or better than the last. I wish you all a "quick run"!

"THE SHORT"

 20 miles yesterday equals a rest day today. I am thrilled about running my first 20 miler, I've recovered well and am ready for tomorrows run even looking forward to it but, what to write today? Something running related hummmm......
 Like few activities running requires very little to get started. All you really need are shoes. By no means do I discount the importance of the quality running shoe and would never say any shoe would do. It has taken me some time to narrow down what works best for me as it is. However, a good deal of information has been written and studies done to help one zero in on finding "THE SHOE" that works best for you. "THE SHOE" if you do your research is within reach.
 No the struggle for me has been finding: "THE SHORT" a much more elusive item. Very little has been written, probably no research done to point one in the right direction here. I have seen product views, every outdoor magazine has them comparing this short to that but very little direction on how to choose "THE SHORT" exists.
 This category reads much like a Dr. Seuss book:
 long shorts/short shorts, baggy shorts/tight shorts, shorts with pockets/shorts with out, some have a belt/some have string/ some with an elastic thing, some with a split up the side others with mesh to keep your stuff inside, have trouble with those legs rubbing compression tights are up and coming.
See.... no real information for an educated choice on what short may work best for you.
 Sadly I am no closer to figuring out a secrete formula for "THE SHORT" myself. Trial and error is my only advice here and when you find a pair that is exactly what you are looking for buy a few of them because you will never find them again.

15 miles in the middle of the road

 I was solo last night, had an order of broccoli chicken for dinner and went to bed early. My plan was to be up early and get in my first 20 mile run before Church at 0900. I slept restlessly looking at the clock every 30 minutes as if I had to check to see it was still working. I was quite annoyed to wake prior to my 0300 alarm sounding unable to get back to sleep, red numbers glaring at me daring me to roll over.
 I dressed, ate a bowl of oat meal, warmed up and was out the door by 0400. I was nervous, pre-race nervous, uncertain of what to expect. I had never run 20 miles. I carried water, gels, my trusty reflective vest and head lamp, "was I missing anything?"
 It was 20F cooler than yesterday mornings bike ride. The moon shown like the sun blocking out the twinkle of the stars, not a cloud in the sky. A perfect morning for a run.
 I ran in the middle of the road, I did not anticipate seeing any cars for a few hours. If you run you understand running in the middle of the road. If you don't: It is liberating! Like running bare foot in the grass. While running in the middle of the road you have room to move. Running on the top of the crown in the middle of the road is flat you are not compensating for the pitch to the ditch with every stride. When you run on the side of the road you feel you are being drawn towards the ditch by some strange anti running power, you do not have that when your in the middle.You'll find less debris in the middle of the road less worry equals forward progress. I did have to side step a road kill skunk but I had room to make that adjustment, I was in the middle of the road. It was more of a challenge to hold my breath for as long as it took me to run through the smell, one just zips by it in a car.
 As I headed into mile 15 Farther Scott turned past me giving me a wave and toot of encouragement he was only the second car I had seen this morning. Sadly I knew I had to relinquish the road soon, cars passed more frequently now some giving me wide respectful birth others seemingly attempting to read my t-shirt. No matter I'd run my first 20 miles most of it in the middle of the road and I felt fantastic!

Bike Ride at 0500

 September 25th 0500 it is 79F already. Dark clouds roll over the moon allowing inconsistent patches of light for a morning ride. This morning I am wearing a Princeton Tec-Aurora head lamp, it is lite and I like the beam it puts out use it to run as well. I am also wearing a Colorado DOT certified reflective vest "one must be seen." A stiff breeze is warm, uncharasticly warm even on a moving bike. I rarely go very far 15-20 miles and never very fast (the ol' Surley single-speed wont allow it). I ride to cross train in between runs, loosens the legs.  My goal: The Marine Corps Marathon October 31st.
 10990 is old Dairy and Apple country, narrow rodes criss-cross a landscape of rolling hills a patch work of hay fields, cow pastures, orchards and housing developments. A perfect place to link together 3,5,7,9,12 and 20mile loops for training purposes. Over the last 12 weeks I have become quite familiar with these loops and despite the arrant driver have come to enjoy being out there.
 This morning darkness seems to be holding back the rising sun with all it's mite. Moon light and head lamp make for tricky shadows as I link together a 15 mile ride. Those tricky shadows make me do a double take more than once. Playing tricks on the mind only to hide again as a cloud passes over the moon.
 As I lean into my last climb it appears something is standing in the middle of the road at the top, tricks again I put my head down and climbed. Another look and still something appears to be in the road, tricks, I climb. A snort like you may hear from a bull snaps me out of rhythm. I bring the head lamp level with a deer standing in the middle of the road, no trick she turns hooves clicking on the pavement and crashes into the woods. I take a breath, my heart beat resumes I head for home.