RVRR Rock Run - Bound Brook, NJ

I had a choice today of either running a 5K in Heightstown or the Rock Run in Bound Brook. I know some folks in Heightstown, but I knew it would be the same old 5K course on the streets which wasn't that appealing. The Rock Run was a trail run, with elevation and different, so off to Bound Brook I traveled.

The Rock Run was put on by the Raritan Valley Road Runners Club and directed by John D'Agostino with lots of help from other club members. This is not an easy race to put on because the trails have to be marked well otherwise you lose a few runners. It was a nice turnout despite a very cold morning and many of the runners were eager to run. After some brief instructions and a short walk to the start, we were off and running.

The terrain was varied for the race, 2% on grass, 10% on roads and 88% on trails which was made up of rocks, roots, leaves, dead branches and water. I knew going in I wasn't going to bust it so it was going to be a fun race for me. The race started on grass then on to some pavement for a bit then we were directed on the trails. You could run for a bit but then you had to hike/run because the we were along the reservoir which had trees and huge roots protruding from the ground.

The course kept switching from a smooth trail, to rocky to muddy and a mix of all three. I didn't wear trail shoes so I was very concerned about twisting an ankle or worse. My goal was not get hurt and enjoy the run. I ran most of the race with Ray Petit and Mark Strawn who are members of RVRR. We ran in a group of about six runners. We got lost a few times but quickly found the trail with the help of arrow markers.

It was a two loop course and I was happy when we finished the first loop. My first mile split was 14:30 and the mile was 16 minutes so you know we were doing lots of hiking as well. There was a very steep hill and of course a very steep downhill. I took the downhills very easy and ran the rocks very carefully.

The sun was shining and it was warming nicely and we were nearing the end. Back on the pavement then on the trails and then grass to the finish. I finished in 1:11:12 which was fine with me and a course best.

Everyone headed to the Chimney Rock Inn for some great pizza and salad which was all included in the entry fee. We were all seated in the restaurant family style which was different from most post race gatherings. They gave out some funny awards (muddiest shoes, most blood) and the winner's awards were made from the rocks on the trail.

I give John and the RVRR club kudos for putting on such a difficult event. I will definitely put this on my calendar for next year. I am looking to run a few more trail races this year. It is so much fun to run with nature and friends.

Today the Earth was my Treadmill.

Easy 6 on the Canal

It was another great morning for a run. I was planning on doing race #2 this morning in Bridgewater, but I didn't want to pay the $35 and not get a t-shirt. Races are starting to charge too much money. $20 is a fair price for a race and $25 on race is not unreasonable, but at least have enough t-shirts to handle many of the race day entrants. You can get more than 50% of your runners on race day, so take that into account when putting on a run.

Anyway, back to today's run. John was surprised that I didn't race today, but I told him I would save a few bucks and stay close to home to run. John wanted to do a trail run, but we opted for the canal instead which is like a trail. It is 15 minutes from my house and always active we people doing stuff. We hit the path at 8:50 and ran for 51 minutes. We took it very slow, 8:50 pace, and it felt good. I think I might have turned the corner with my injury since this was my third day in a row of running that I felt pretty good.

We did 3 miles up and back and we quickened the pace on the way back. Along the way I ran into the Palumbo's riding their bikes and Paula Namjoo out for her walk. Paula is always walking but mostly around our neighborhood but I have seen her now at the canal a few times.

Folks were out in numbers at 9:30 and I am certain that their were many more as the day wore on. It was another beautiful day to get outside. It is so nice to get out and enjoy 30 plus minutes of activity when the weather is great. It makes the rest of the day go by so much better.

Call me if you want to run.

The Adrenaline 5K - Haddonfield,NJ

My long awaited first race of 2010 took me to Haddonfield, NJ. I originally was planning on going to Bordentown for their St. Patty's Day 5K but couldn't find any info on it on 4 different websites. Last year at this time I had completed 12 races and was heading to Virginia Beach for a 1/2 marathon on this same weekend.

I had planned on running two previous races, but both were cancelled, one for the snowstorm and one for the rain storm. In my 30 years of running only one other race was cancelled and that was the Rat Race in NYC for a hail storm. This wasn't going to be the case today because it was absolutely a perfect day for a run. A day like today makes all those cold days of running worth it.

Up early because Haddonfield is 50 miles away, but I was looking forward since I had never been in that town. I had to go it alone since I had no takers today. The race was organized by Haddonfield Running Company and local running store in town. It was a well organized event, but I was disappointed that I didn't get a t-shirt. I did register same day and got there early but still no shirt. They did give me $5 back because of no shirt.

The race took place at Haddonfield High School which looked like a very old school. I am not sure what type of town this was years ago but it had some very homes and charm. They have a cute main street which is actually Kings Highway. I even saw a Starbucks on one of the blocks.

I was planning on taking it easy since I have been battling a slight leg injury but actually felt better in my recent runs. My plan was to take it easy for the first mile, hopefully under 8 minute pace then progressively go faster.

I hit the first mile in 7:40 which was great since my breathing was controlled and I felt good. The second mile had a nice downhill and a good uphill but I was settling in nicely. I passed a bunch a runners and I started feel pretty good. I hit mile two in 15:00 flat and now I just wanted to concentrate on finishing strong. I wanted to pass a few runners and see if I could get a 7 minute final mile. I hit the tape at 22:05 which meant my last mile was 6:45 which is quite surprising since I really haven't done much speed work. I was very happy with my 7:08 pace and lack of discomfort in my stride.

I stuck around to eat a bagel and watch the crowd file in. I think there were over 700 runners and many of them very fast. The overall winner finished in 14:03 and I finished in 254 which was very low considering my time. It was a very deep field and an overall good race. I meant some nice folks including a couple who put on the NBD 5K benefiting SIDS in honor of their granddaughter Natalee Brooklynn.

Kendal Park Circle post storm

Most of my neighborhood has suffered serious damage from this past weekend's storm and it has made it very difficult to get around via the automobile so I decided to try it on foot. One tree took out some power lines on Sand Hill Road which left me without electricity for 48 hours and I couldn't get close to the scene of destruction.

My run today took me towards the downed tree, but as I got closer I could see the workers weren't crazy about me getting near them so I turned around. My course was going to be around Kendall Park Circle anyway, but I just wanted to see the problem area. As I headed to KPC I could see lots of damage to the neighborhood. Once in the circle I saw at least 2 dozen trees on their side. One stretch saw 4 trees down within 50 yards of each other. It looked very odd to see that much damage in such a small neighborhood, but the winds were fierce on Saturday.

As I continued around the circle I saw more trees down as well as many blocked streets. On foot you can get by, but I did have to dodge a few downed power lines. It made for a surreal run this morning. I took it slow and snapped many pics and really enjoyed the run. It was still raining and slightly chilly but still warmer than my house.
This is why folks need to get out from inside the gyms and run their neighborhoods. You see so much more than the news being replayed on the screen in front of you or the smelly guy in the treadmill next to you plus you are probably slowly going deaf from the IPOD.

Weather is supposed to heat up by the weekend so I am looking forward to a race on either Saturday or Sunday. Spring running is coming and I certainly don't want to be indoors.

Total washout

Sittin' at Rockin' Joe's bloggin' and eatin' while I patiently wait for my power to come back on.

Today's Keith Mcheffey 3 mile run in Sea Bright was cancelled which bummed the senator and I out. I picked up Kenny V late as I had to deal with a downed tree on my property which was heading towards my neighbor's garage. Mark, the tree guy arrived at 8am so I just wanted to make sure he had everything he needed to take of the issue. Once he said he would take care of the tree and be gone, so was I.

I picked up Kenny at 9:40 which was 25 minutes late so we had to hustle to get to the start with some time to spare. We had to dodge some downed trees in his neighborhood as well which delayed us a bit more. Once we got on route 18 it started raining heavily again, but I was actually excited about today's race. It would be my first of the year. Last year at this time I had run 12 races already.

We were on 18 for about 10 minutes when Taugh Lynch sent me a message that Sea Bright could be flooded and we should check with the race director. I called the Mad Hatter where the post race party was being held and sure enough the woman on the other end of the phone said the race was cancelled. She did say the party was still on. Ken and I made a u-turn and headed back home. Two races this year have been postponed because of our winter weather.

Ken wanted to get a run in so he needed to come up with a place to run. He decided on Tamarack golf course which was near his house. Gate was locked so we had to go through some brush, mud, and water to get into the golf course. We ran for about 30 minutes around the course which was different for me but fun. I was still bummed about the race but got home earlier to assess the damage at home.

Tree was cut up, wife had left for a wake and the kids were in and out.

By the way I am finishing this blog in my car waiting for Michael. Fire alarm went on at Rockin' Joe's so I just left. Sound was loud and I could concentrate. My town is a mess due to the storm. Trees down all over the place, lights out on route 1, flooding and of course no power.

I will have to find a race for next week. Maybe Freehold or Bordentown.

The last dark run

Today was going to be a day off from a run, and although the weather was spectacular I decided to give my legs a break. I got a text mid morning from John and asked if I wanted to run tonight. I didn't answer right away , but then decided to go since it was so nice out. The plan was to get out at 5:30 when there was still some light left in the day.

That did not happen because I needed to pick up my son at his baseball try-out. My wife told me it would be over by 5 but he didn't show up until 6pm. I told John it would have to be 6:20 so out we went with the light fading quickly. We opted to run Dundee to Route 27 then over to Kendall Park Circle. I think we ran for 40+ minutes and a good clip although we initially said we would go slow.

I like the Dundee run, but we had to be on our toes because the cars were out. Always run into traffic.

Hopefully it will be our last night time run since the clocks will be changed this weekend. I guess our morning runs will be darker now.

I saw lots of folks out there the last few days which I love. Weather getting nice and out come the exercisers.

Happy snow Trails

No Beach Run today so John and I headed to the Delaware & Raritan Tow Path in Princeton. We tried this two weeks ago and it was covered with 12 plus inches of snow. John drove by the trail yesterday and he thought it to be fine for an easy jog.

He picked me up at 8:30 and we headed to the path by Alexander Road in Princeton. There was no wind and the temps were in the low 30's. It was perfect for a winter run. We have been hit hard by snow this past month but it really hasn't been that cold. Our plan was to run 25 minutes out and pick up the pace and come back in 23 minutes.

As we headed out we came across the first of 6 trees that was laying across the trail. Lucky for us they weren't very big trees so we were able to go under or over. The footing was a bit uneven but manageable. It some spots there was just mud.

We came across just one other runner, two folks on bikes and one snowman. We ran for about 50 minutes which included a few stops for pics. It was a good run and one where I felt pretty good.

We stopped at Rockin Joes on Route 27 for a quick cup of coffee.