Five Days and Counting.....

Michael Vangelist, Coach Jack Fultz (Winner 1976), Ronan Campbell

Michael Vangelist in front of the Johnny Kelley Statue 
Johnny Kelley ran the Boston Marathon 61 Times!

Running the Charles on April 7, 2011

There are only five days until the 115th Boston Marathon!  I am really looking forward to this part of the experience.  I have made some good friends and I have seen the great work that Dana Farber is accomplishing every day.  The combination of reaching this goal of running the Boston Marathon and contributing to the cure for cancer is ideal.  If you have ever considered reaching a lifelong goal, I would encourage you to do so while you can.  Things change quickly in this life and as they say, "There is no time like the present!".  Speaking of which, here is the secure link for making a donation to the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge:     http://www.runDFMC.org/2011/michaelv


100% of the money raised goes towards the cure for cancer!  Dana Farber has made great progress in this field of endeavor and continues to make great strides because of your support. Here is a link that explains some of the great things being accomplished through the Claudia Adams Barr Program:


http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/ccp.asp?ievent=425293&ccp=104461


Please consider donating today........

1st Official Half Marathon

I ran my first official half marathon on Sunday.  It was a perfect day for running.  I enjoyed the entire experience.  New Bedford has some really beautiful neighborhoods.  The downtown seems to be experiencing a revival.  It has some really cool bars and restaurants.  Here are some photos from the day....

Back Up To Speed

Since my last post I have been feeling alot better physically.  My training is on track, and the training on Tuesday's at Tufts is really having a positive effect on my conditioning.  I have run the lake in Wakefield again at a good clip.

On a sad note, I lost a childhood friend Sunday March 6, 2011.  Tony Giardina really stands out in my mind and heart for the many laughs we shared growing up.  He probably had the best sense of humor I have had the pleasure to experience.  So many adventures and good times I will never forget.  Tony G. will always be missed and never forgotten.  RIP brother......

Recovery Horizon

I finally feel healthy and strong again.  The past week has found me back on track, literally!  I did speed training and long runs, including 9.20 miles from Crossroads in Boston on Thursday night.  All systems are back on line.  The "cold" I was fighting is gone and training is improving.  The run on Sunday (February 27, 2011) was a somewhat difficult.  The bike path was not used because of ice buildup.  So it was on the streets again from Lexington Center to Arlington Center and back.  For some reason, this street course does not agree with me.  The snowbanks and tight traffic seem more challenging compared to running in Boston on Thursdays....

Speed training has really helped me gain confidence.  Coach Jack has such a deep knowledge of the training that he seems to effortlessly provide answers to many questions without hesitation.  We are blessed to have such a great resource of wisdom.  I am looking forward to my longest run next week, 20 miles!

Weak Week

The past week (February 13 - 19) was the first week I did not train at all.  I missed the speed training on Tuesday evening because I was just beginning to fight off a cold.  The cold worsened on Wednesday through Saturday.  I was reviewing my running diary and it was actually the first week since April 2010 that I did not run at all.  So I decided to view this as a rest week.  And I did rest.  I went to bed early and did not go out at night......  On Sunday, February 20, 2011 I missed the team's long run for the first time.  However, I did run the lake in Wakefield by myself.  I ran 9.54 miles at about 6:30 pm and overall, it went well.  I did resume speed training this past Tuesday, February 22, 2011.  I did 16 sets of 400 meters with 200 meters recovery lap.  I really enjoyed this, and finally began to understand how this training translates into improved marathon times.  Coach Jack Fultz is really helpful with his vast knowledge of training and successful marathon training.  He is patient and encouraging with all the questions we ask him.  Thanks Coach!

Super Seventeen.20

Newton Centre Run 17.20 Miles

On February 12, 2011 I ran 17.20 miles with the team from Newton Centre.  The run went well, and I really gained some confidence from that experience.  Just add 9 miles and I can complete a marathon.  After that accomplishment I had my first week since last summer that I did not run at all.  Fighting a cold as well as some scheduling conflicts lead me to miss speed training on Tuesday evening at Tufts.  And then on Thursday evening I missed my first Crossroads run since being accepted by Dana Farber in December.  And then finally, today I missed the group run that started in Watertown due to feeling ill this morning.  I have to admit it feels really weird to not train.  It makes me think about what it will be like after the marathon.  I crave the intense training and when it's not there I feel off balance.  I have chosen to look at this past week as a rest period for my body, the first since July if I think about it.  So hopefully this will have a positive effect on my training coming up this week.  I have a renewed determination to stay on track and push forward.  I may run late this afternoon to clear the cobwebs.....

Sweet Sixteen

 

 

Today was a milestone.  I actually ran 16.11 miles and I felt great!  I left my car at the Brae Burn Country Club in Newton and ran a little past Kenmore Square and then ran back for a total of 16.11 miles.  This includes running the "Hills" twice.  I attended the second "1st Timers Meeting" on Monday and enjoyed an excellent presentation on fundraising and training.  We also wrote encouraging notes and signed Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge posters for patients being treated at Dana Farber.  All these posters were being given to patient/partners that range in ages of 2 years old to 16 years old.  All I could think of was how many of these patients will look at these posters as adults and finally realize what they represent. 

The weather each week has really been extreme.  All the while, training has been very enjoyable.  Each week I meet new people and enjoy learning about their background.  It is very refreshing.

While I write this there is thunder and lightning outside my window.  I love it.  Here are some photos from Monday's meeting, Thursday's Crossroad run, and today's long run.

Need for Speed

On Tuesday I went to the "Speed Training" class at the Tufts University gym.  Because of the weather, the class was cancelled at the last minute.  I was disappointed that the coach was not going to be there.  However, two other teammates arrived at 7:30 pm and we trained.  This was my first experience with speed training.  Running inside has such a different feel.  The air inside feels strange at first, it takes some getting used to.  And running a small track is also a change, turning so many corners.  Once I acclimated myself to my new surroundings, I loved training inside.  The basic concept of the night was run 400 meters fast and then 200 meters slow.  We did 12 repetitions of these 600 meter groupings.  The track is scheduled for Dana Farber for this training.  And what a difference it makes running without distractions.  And the track felt so smooth beneath my feet that running almost felt effortless.  I did my best to keep up with my teammate Steven.  He averages a 9 minute/mile and I up to this point I average a 11 minute/mile.  So I did not think I would be able to keep up.  I did keep up pretty well until the last few laps, and I purposely slowed down because I wanted to avoid injury.  This was an eye opening experience.  I think I will really benefit from this training and look forward to the next training session.

Open mouth, insert arm.....

Well, I finally experienced my first brush with injury.  While attempting the simple maneuver of putting a shirt on, I moved my right arm the wrong way.  The pain was intense and has lasted.  Usually the pain fades within a few hours, not this time.  I think I pretty much dislocated my shoulder.  It is funny in a way.  "Man Dislocates Shoulder While Getting Dressed"

So when running with a 14 mile goal in mind, I was feeling good at the beginning of the run.  I allowed this good feeling to go to my head, and for the first time, I ran the first 4.5 miles faster than I have ever run.  I was thinking to myself, "I should probably slow down and pace myself better.".  However, I ignored this thought and continued with my new found speed.  As I approached the 5 mile mark, my legs felt great and I had plenty of energy.  That's when my should/arm pain kicked in more than I have ever felt during training.  My goal went from 14 miles to a more modest 10 miles.  The final 5 miles were complete torture, with frequent time walking and supporting my right arm with my left hand. 

There you have it.  I learned a lesson and I believe there is no permanent injury to worry about.  I will be more careful getting dressed (very funny) and pacing myself during my training.  I am very fortunate to have zero problems with my legs, knees, ankles, etc.  I am looking forward to a team meeting at Dana Farber on Monday evening.  I once again want to mention how much I am enjoying training with this group, the best qualities of humanity are present at each meeting...... 

The Airborne Toxic Event New Single

Latest News

Training is going well.  I have really enjoyed the team meetings.  I have met people from all walks of life, and their stories and personalities really add to the knowledge of living.  There have been some cold days and rough weather during the last month.  Yet, we have continued to train in a way that makes the weather seem less important than when I train alone.  Meeting those that have run marathons many times gives me a new perspective about how to approach my first marathon.  All the experienced runners all seem to agree that their first marathon is ther favorite marathon.  I have begun to train on Thursday evenings in Boston.  The team meets at a pub on Beacon Street and then takes a train out to Woodland station in Newton.  From there we run a little over 9  miles through "the hills".  It is actually part of the Boston Marathon route that includes "Heartbreak Hill".